John E. (“Big Grandpa”) Brady of Sparta, N.J., passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, after a tough battle with lung disease and Covid. He was 88.
He fought hard until the end, just as he always had in life as a fighter...a boxer.
Strong-willed with a determined spirit, John loved his family and friends, his country, and God. He showed unwavering love and his will to live, right until his passing moments.
He was born in Staten Island, N.Y., on Nov. 5, 1932.
John was survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Margaret I. Brady (nee Kadian); children, Dawn Basso (husband Patrick) and Robert Brady (wife Jennifer). As a loving grandfather, John was blessed with his grandchildren, Rich Lawson (wife Kamilla), Jenna Giaramita (husband Michael), Lauren Lynne Brady; and step-grandchildren, Michael Basso (wife Jessica) and Steven Basso (wife Breann). “Big Grandpa” was an amazing great-grandpa as well, leaving behind Lana, age 5, and Benjamin, age 4, his step-grandchild, Aleyla; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; sister-in-law, Arline; great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-cousins.
A veteran of the Korean War, John Brady served in the Army and was a longstanding member of The American Legion. He also helped in the conservation of Fort Miles, preserving the military equipment and maintaining the Observatory Towers on the beaches of Delaware, where he resided for many years.
After a long career of wearing many hats as a gas station attendant, auto mechanic, masonry work apprentice, and truck driver, Jack earned his associates and stationary engineering degrees and worked for Con Edison in Staten Island, N.Y., for 33 years as a member of the IBEW Union. Additionally, he was an active member in the Catholic Churches where he lived and served as a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
Jack loved his dogs with all of his heart and anything outdoors, enjoying landscaping, lighthouses, feeding the birds, beach combing with his Geiger Counter, quad and UTV riding, and watching his grandkids, and then eventually great-grandkids, go “too high” on their swings. Besides his coo-coo clocks, Jack loved taking long walks in the cemeteries, where he will now rest in peace.
John E. Brady’s legacy is one of selflessness, loyalty, and love as he has enriched the lives of everyone who was blessed to be a part of his “dash”...his 88-year journey.
Visitation was held on April 28 at Goble Funeral Home in Sparta, N.J. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at North Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sparta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities or Tunnel to Towers.