Gerard Thomas Brady

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Gerard “Jerry” T. Brady of Winter Springs, Florida, who entered eternal rest on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the age of 88. A devoted father, husband, grandfather, and man of deep faith, Jerry lived a life defined by love, quiet strength, and steadfast presence. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 11, 1937, to the late Rose and Edward Brady, and the beloved brother of the late Reverend E. J. Brady, he carried the spirit, warmth, and rich traditions of his hometown with him wherever life led. New Orleans was always in his heart. Jerry was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Maria Barletta Brady. Their love story began at her sixteenth birthday party and grew into a 39-year marriage rooted in devotion and partnership. With unwavering tenderness and courage, he cared for her through a long illness until her passing at the age of 64. Together they built a beautiful family, which remained his greatest blessing and the center of his world. He is survived by his loving children and their spouses: Jerry Brady and his wife Malia, Michelle Brady and her wife KT, and Jennifer Rothfuss and her husband Matt. His greatest joy and proudest role were that of Grandpa to Rowan Brady, Brady and Molly Palmer, and Hannah and Ellie Rothfuss. He was their biggest fan — never missing a birthday party, Christmas concert, play, sporting event, or award ceremony. Grandpa Brady was always there. He delighted in celebrating their accomplishments, giving thoughtful educational gifts, and creating opportunities for new experiences that would shape their lives. Jerry attended St. James Major Elementary School and Jesuit High School in New Orleans, where he proudly played center on the 1953 state championship football team. He went on to graduate with a degree in Industrial Engineering from Louisiana State University and devoted his professional life to protecting others through his work in health and safety at Westinghouse Electric and later Orlando Health. When his children were young, he brought home training films to teach them CPR, fire safety, and the Heimlich maneuver — lessons in care that became lifelong gifts. Ever the safety professional, he ended his voicemail with his signature reminder: “Have a safe day.” A man of deep and abiding faith, Jerry found strength and purpose in the Catholic Church. As an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and Eucharistic Minister to the Sick at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, he brought comfort and compassion to those who needed it most. He participated in Bible study, volunteered at the Winterfest, and, in retirement, joyfully experienced several pilgrimages that enriched his spiritual life. Education was one of his greatest values. He modeled lifelong learning by sitting at the kitchen table studying alongside his children. He earned his Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation — a credential held by only a small percentage of safety professionals— and a reflection of his discipline and commitment to excellence. As a grandfather, he marked every new school year by giving each grandchild a new backpack from kindergarten through senior year. One summer he created “Grandpa’s Summer Book Club,” providing the books and reading with them to instill a love of learning that will endure for generations. Celebrations and holidays were pure joy to him. He created a beloved Christmas tradition in which each grandchild performed a song, dance, or poem in exchange for their stocking — lining up in birth order, practicing for weeks, and filling the room with laughter, pride, and love. Jerry leaves a legacy of devotion to family, faith, learning, and service to others. He was deeply loved, greatly respected, and will be profoundly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida. A reception will immediately follow in Bishop Grady Hall from 2:00–3:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus 5150, 1908 Silver Star rd., Orlando, FL 32804. http://www.kofc5150.com/in-loving-memory-of-gerard-thomas-brady-jerry-1.html Harry P Leu Gardens https://app.autobooks.co/pay/friends-of-leu-gardens In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in his memory be made to the Knights of Columbus 5150 or to Harry P. Leu Gardens.

Gerard Thomas Brady

April 11, 1937 - February 16, 2026