Maurice "Bill" Brady

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Maurice “Bill” W. Brady, WWII Veteran, of Bradenton, FL on August 22, 2019, surrounded by his loving family - beloved wife, Kathleen Hansen Brady; daughter, Eleanor Brady Jenitis; and son, William M. Brady.

Maurice was born in Jersey City, NJ on March 19, 1927 to Maurice Vincent Brady (Speaker of the House of the State of NJ in 1960) and Olga (Gerlat) Brady. He had one sister, Doris (Brady) McGrehan.

Upon graduation from Snyder High School, Jersey City, NJ, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March, 1945. He was deployed and stationed at Pearl Harbor until July, 1946. He was proud to serve his Country.

After the war, Bill graduated State Teacher’s College, Jersey City, NJ with a Bachelor of Science degree. He earned his Master’s in Education from New York University in New York City, NY.

Talented as a sketch artist and cartoonist, he penned cartoons for the New York University newspaper and even sold some to various New York magazines. Afterward, he taught at Dickinson High School, Jersey City, NJ.

In 1948, Bill married Eleanor P. (Hennelly) Brady, with whom he has two surviving children, Eleanor B. Jenitis and William M. Brady.

Bill joined the Western Electric Company (AT&T) in Kearny, NJ, launching an illustrious career in Telecommunications, including Manufacturing and Installation. His work locations included Kearny & Newark, NJ; New York City, NY; and Greensboro, NC. In 1970, Bill moved his family to Mountain Lakes, NJ, where he enjoyed all the amenities the lakes had to offer, including fishing, sailing, nature walks with the family dog, Shannon and dining at the Mountain Lakes Club.

After the passing in 1978 of his beloved wife of thirty years, Bill moved to Greensboro, NC, as Director of Labor Relations for AT&T. His son had resided there and he was joined by his daughter for a time.

During these years, Bill met his future wife, Kathleen Hansen, resident of San Francisco, CA.

In 1986, Bill retired from Lucent Technologies. He then married Kathleen Hansen Brady in South Carolina in March, 1986. They moved to Sarasota, FL and together they founded a new business, “American Giltspur,” becoming the first & sole distributor in North America for orthopedic shoes for lame dairy cattle. Quite the unusual business, which they ran for 15 years and which provided fun, busy times and a new source of income!

Bill enjoyed the company of his many friends. He loved fishing, sailing, golfing and traveling. He and his wife Kathleen both loved visiting Disney World, which they frequented often as Disney Club members.

Bill was quick with a smile, spontaneously amusing, very smart and astute. Bill genuinely engaged with others, perhaps explaining his large circle of friends, many of whom have pre-deceased him.

Bill adored his family, always providing unconditional love and support to us. He was always on an even keel, quietly offering sage advice to us; he was the anchor and guiding light throughout our lives. He was soul mate to his beloved Kathleen.

Bill was one of the finest gentlemen to ever grace this planet. We love you Bill, Dad, through eternity.

Anchors aweigh and God speed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or The Mayo Clinic.