John Brady

John F. Brady, 96, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died on December 9, 2024. He was the husband of the late Margaret "Peg" (Lane) Brady. Born in Taunton, MA on July 12, 1928, he was the son of the late John J. and Helena (Parlow) Brady.

John graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Master's degree in hand, he took a job at the Naval Torpedo Station (NUWC) in Newport, RI where he stayed for 25 years-broken only by a 21-month stint in the Air Force during the Korean War. He rose quickly from director of research to director of development. He also earned a PhD from the University of Rhode Island in 1973. After moving into private industry in 1975, he spent the rest of his career at Raytheon, helping develop its torpedo division. At age 63, John retired. He and Peg dedicated themselves to sailing, skiing, and spending time with their four daughters and nine grandchildren. John taught all nine grandchildren how to ski. He and Peg played tennis until they were 85 and had a wonderful life. While John was a very talented engineer and enjoyed a successful career, work was not everything to him. He enjoyed staying active and was a founding member of the Newport Ski Club and a member of the Tiverton Yacht Club (TYC). He rarely missed the TYC Wednesday-night races where he continued until summer of 2024 as the tactician on a Frers 36. John volunteered his time to the community, serving on the Boards of the Glen Manor House, and the Portsmouth Senior Center. He also served as a trustee of the Newport Hospital and spent free time attending all the events he could for his grandchildren. In a recent interview John expressed, "I may not have a long list of patents to my name, but I have a long list of family. And a long list of things we did together."

John is survived by his four daughters, Anne Brady and her partner Kevin Oakes of Binghamton, NY, Kathleen Brady of West Warwick, RI, Patricia Brady of Bristol, RI, and Mary Helene Chaplin and her husband Todd Chaplin of Portsmouth, RI. He also leaves nine grandchildren Kristen Romanelli and husband David Kociemba, Meghan Romanelli and wife Karen Wollemborg, Mikaela Romanelli, Katherine Wilhelm, Kiera Wilhelm, Abigail Wilhelm, Allison Mathieu and husband Jeffrey Mathieu, Andrew Chaplin and wife Lauren Bennett, and Melissa Chaplin. Additionally, he leaves six great grandchildren, Margot, Jamie and Sean Romanelli, Micah, Coen, and Miles Mathieu. John will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Brady Bodge and Ann Brady Bodge.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 14, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth.

Donations in his memory may be made to VNS Home and Hospice or St. Barnabas Church.

Online Tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com