Birth date: Jun 13, 1959 Death date: Aug 10, 2025
John Francis Brady 66, Lewes John Francis Brady, age 66 passed away peacefully at his Angola (Lewes) home on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in the care of Delaware Hospice and his friends/caregivers, Jake Fox, Amy Rust and Pat Campbell Read Obituary
I was a photographer's assistant at a wedding that John did after I became his neighbor, but before I got to know him. In the many years since, he has been a good neighbor and a great person. I've always been impressed by his sharp word for word memory. All of the titles that he has earned was yet another impressive thing about John. He wore many hats and excelled at all of them. He is such a kind and caring individual that always has time to talk with you. We share a love for the game of baseball, even though we root for different teams. Being close in age, we could talk about the same "old timers" of the game that we both watched in our youth. I am very saddened by his loss and will miss him. I will say getting to know his care givers and many others in his life has been very nice. They are all wonderful, caring people that are true friends to him. Rest in Peace, my Friend. You had a great life that touched so many.
Mr. John Brady's words, "Scouting is the best Youth development program in the World!" In my notes from the last District Roundtable where We were together in person, Mr. John Brady encouraged every Scout to do these nearby to DelMarVa Council Historic Trails. Start at Quail Hill Scout Reservation for Monmouth Historic Trail! Visit the Historic New Castle Court House Museum in Delaware as part of Valley Forge Historic Trail! He may have called it a 3 hole courthouse? The oldest continuously used Court Building in the United States, since 1732 and the building where the State of Delaware was founded on June 15, 1776 (separate from Pennsylvania and England). He said this was an inspiration as a youth in Scouting that would later evolve into a Profession in Law! Gettysburg Trail! Arlington Cemetery! John, I will miss your expertise at the Scouting Roundtables and beyond.
I would like to offer my condolences to John’s family.
I met him in 1986 while working for Scouting in neighboring councils in Massachusetts. I was hired conditionally pending my completion of an Economics class to complete my BA and keep my position as District Executive. On the night of my final exam, John took me out for a beer and burger to celebrate. I reminded him that it was a tough subject for me and I might not have passed and would lose my job. He said “Either way you’re finished!”.
I reconnected with him via Facebook a few years ago and was able to convince him to join the National Exploring Committee, continuing his volunteer Scouting on a National level.
Godspeed John, it was an honor and pleasure to know you.
John was our close personal friend for over 50 years and we are so grateful that we shared a lifetime now full of wonderful memories together. Serving others was his credo, and his kind heart set an example we all should follow.
We’ll miss you dearly.
Vicki and Ave Topel
My husband and I were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of John Brady.
I first met John when I arrived on Delmarva as a clueless, but highly ambitious 22-year-old reporter for WBOC News. He was always willing to take time out of his day to join me for an interview, and offer his analysis. When I inevitably screwed something up - or was confused - or was a stumbling fool - he was patient and kind. I can’t tell you how many times, he would see my chaotic energy while rushing on deadline - and would calmly tell me — “That’s alright. You’re ok.”
Later, when I desperately needed help with something and was perhaps at my lowest, he didn't hesitate to come to my aid. I owe so much to his help at that time. And yet he never asked for anything.
I don't recall talking about being gay often with him. But his courage as the state's first openly gay elected official paved the way for me to feel comfortable coming out when I arrived in Delaware. And I always felt like he got a lot of joy from seeing my budding relationship with my now husband. My husband always appreciated John's kind, caring and thoughtful personality that made him a terrific friend. My husband particularly valued that John would take the time to check in to see how we were, and to let us know he was thinking about us.
He'll be remembered for his awards, and his work as a public official. But perhaps - more important was his personal impact on countless people - my husband and myself included.
RIP John. And THANK YOU for everything!
Evan Koslof and Justin Noble
Throughout his life, John Brady was a beloved and respected person in Sussex County. His accomplishments in law, politics, and community service were deeply admired. Most of all, he was recognized and appreciated for his big heart and kindness to all who met him.
When I was planning to run for office, I reached out to him and was honored that he agreed to help and provide direction for my campaign. Over the course of two years I was in constant contact with him and would meet at his house once a week. John made sure our meetings took place at lunch time so that I could bring him an Italian sub from Casapulla’s!
Although John’s health challenges limited his ability to get out much, he was able to stay connected by phone to an amazing collection of friends, colleagues, and associates. We would be discussing a person we needed to reach, and John would say, “Watch this.” He would quickly dial a number, connect with that person, and say, “John Brady here. I’ve got a guy I want you to meet.” And we would!
It was a revelation to observe the incredible depth and diversity of John’s connections. People from all political beliefs and backgrounds knew him and respected him. They knew he was about helping others, regardless of who they were. John gave, without expecting anything in return. People saw that and loved him for it.
I learned so much through my contact with John Brady. It truly was a privilege to get to know him better. His was a life that deserves to be celebrated. We can best honor him by following his example of selfless service to all and working to bring out the best in one another. He showed us the way to make our community welcoming, friendly, understanding, mutually helpful, and accepting of all.
My heart has been heavy ever since I heard about John's passing. John was so much more than a politician and lawyer—he was a true friend who could always be counted on. I had the privilege of knowing him through my wife Peg, and John would jokingly call us "wife 2 and 3." I was also honored to serve as his campaign manager when he ran for Insurance Commissioner and later worked the front desk when he started his own law practice.
While his stature certainly fit his nickname "Big Guy", it was really his enormous heart that made it perfect. That heart was so big it seemed impossible that any body could contain it. The world needs more people so committed to reconciliation, peace, and genuine care as John was.
Even when life took Peg and me to Pennsylvania and distance made it harder to stay in touch, one of us would eventually pick up the phone with a simple "HOW ARE YOU," and we'd pick up right where we left off.
John was one of my biggest supporters, and I will miss him dearly. I was there when he lost his beloved partner Josh, and it brings me comfort knowing that they are finally together again. Godspeed, Farewell, until we meet again! Rest in peace, Big Guy—it was a joy and a blessing to be your friend.
It's really hard to believe John has left this world. John was a rock in the Sussex community. I reminisce to all the legal work we did together and the fabulous trips we all took together. John did so much for so many and a majority of the time without remuneration. John always knew who to call when someone was in need. Rest in Peace John and enjoy the fruits of the hereinafter.
John Slagowski, P.I.
Throughout his life, John Brady was a beloved and respected person in Sussex County. His accomplishments in law, politics, and community service were deeply admired. Most of all, he was recognized and appreciated for his big heart and kindness to all who met him.
When I was planning to run for office, I reached out to him and was honored that he agreed to help and provide direction for my campaign. Over the course of two years I was in constant contact with him and would meet at his house once a week. John made sure our meetings took place at lunch time so that I could bring him an Italian sub from Casapulla’s!
Although John’s health challenges limited his ability to get out much, he was able to stay connected by phone to an amazing collection of friends, colleagues, and associates. We would be discussing a person we needed to reach, and John would say, “Watch this.” He would quickly dial a number, connect with that person, and say, “John Brady here. I’ve got a guy I want you to meet.” And we would!
It was a revelation to observe the incredible depth and diversity of John’s connections. People from all political beliefs and backgrounds knew him and respected him. They knew he was about helping others, regardless of who they were. John gave, without expecting anything in return. People saw that and loved him for it.
I learned so much through my contact with John Brady. It truly was a privilege to get to know him better. His was a life that deserves to be celebrated. We can best honor him by following his example of selfless service to all and working to bring out the best in one another. He showed us the way to make our community welcoming, friendly, understanding, mutually helpful, and accepting of all.
