We are saddened to announce the death of Joseph Kevin Brady, 80, loving husband and soulmate of 59 years to Alicia (Lipski), who passed away on Tuesday, October 29, in Gilbert, Arizona after a lengthy illness. He was the father of six children, which include five daughters whom he leaves behind with their spouses: Colleen Kirchner and Thomas, Irene McMahon and Kevin, Kathleen Landeira and Richard, Shawna Colletto and Sean, Leanne Piontkowski and Jason, and one beloved son, Matthew and wife Staci (Kman).
Joe was a grandfather to twelve children: Stephen and Kelly Kirchner, Alicia, Thomas and Caleb Derr, Brady, Ella, Kaylin, and Hazel Piontkowski, Delaney and Corwin Brady, and baby Audrey Rose Brady who predeceased him. He was also a great-grandfather to Noah and Killian Kirchner.
He leaves behind his only sister, Anne Marie Ward of Lynn, Massachusetts, his brother, John and his wife Kathy from Inverness, Florida, and sisters-in-law, Frances Brady, Madeline Brady, Nancy Brady and Stephanie Murphy, as well as many other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Killian, Patrick and his wife Trisha, Edward, Thomas and his brother-in-law, Norman Ward.
A 25 year resident of Apache Junction, Arizona, Joe was born on June 20, 1944 in Lynn, Massachusetts to parents Killian and Anna (Casey) Brady. He graduated in 1962 from Lynn English High School, continued his education at Northeastern University in Boston, and went on to receive his MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.
His successful business career encompassed multiple senior management positions at manufacturing companies such as General Electric Co., Xerox Corp., Digital Equipment Corp., Smith Corona, U.S. Surgical Co. and Tenax Corporation where he was Vice President of Operations.
In 1984, a devastating automobile accident shattered Joe’s back and ended his work career, forcing him into an early retirement. But, in his true “Fighting Irish” spirit he embraced this opportunity to volunteer his time and talents to coordinate the installation of the first computer laboratory at Tashua Elementary School, coach Pop Warner Football, and volunteer as assistant soccer and track coach at St. Joseph’s High School, all while residing in Trumbull, Connecticut.
A devoted family man, he was fortunate to have all his immediate family living close by in the greater Phoenix area and he enjoyed hosting Sunday dinners for them where he could indulge in his culinary expertise.
Joe had a work ethic second to none and would willingly embrace any challenge. His many talents included carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, masonry and gardening.
He was a remarkable man, extremely proud of his Irish heritage, and will be dearly missed by all those whose lives he’s touched.
On Tuesday, November 12, a funeral mass will be held in his honor at 10:00am at St. George Catholic Church, Apache Junction, Arizona preceded by recitation of the rosary at 9:30am. Inurnment in Mesa City Cemetery immediately following. There will be no other visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Joe’s memory are welcome.
Arrangements were cared for by Superstition Cremation & Funeral Services located at 398 East Old West Highway Apache Junction, Arizona 85119. Please call with any questions 480-982-2727.