Michael Joseph Brady

Michael Joseph Brady, 98, formerly of Minersville, passed away late Tuesday evening at Providence Place, Pottsville, where he was a resident since March 2024.

Born in Minersville, he was the son of the late Edward A. Brady and Katherine Irma (Kelly) Brady. One of four sons in a five-year span, he grew up in this coal region during some of the toughest times this country has known.

Mr. Brady attended Minersville schools and was a graduate of Minersville High School, Class of 1945. Upon graduation he attended Kutztown State Teachers College receiving a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics/Science. He then received a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Bucknell University and later his Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Lehigh University. He endured the disciplined military life of 53 months as a commissioned naval officer serving active duty during the Korean War as the Administrative Assistant to the Commanding Officer of the Recruit Training Command and as Senior Administrative Assistant to the Commanding Officer of the USS Macon, a heavy cruiser, and 12 years of reserves rising to a retired rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Upon his return to Schuylkill County, he began teaching math and coaching basketball at Pottsville High School for nine years. He then was hired as High School Principal at Minersville High. In 1974 he was promoted to Superintendent of Schools retiring in 2013. At that time, he had the distinction of being the longest serving (39 years) Superintendent in Pennsylvania. His love for education and his community led him to giving the last 11 years of his career to the taxpayers, accepting no salary.

Mr. Brady was a member of Holy Family Parish [St. Vincent DePaul Church], Minersville. He was a former member of the Rotary Club and he served on countless educational boards and panels throughout his educational tenure. He was an avid golfer. In recent years he thoroughly enjoyed a Friday lunch get-together with Jim, Rudy, Cal, Dan and Craig, and weekly visits from Dave and many other friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Daniel (2002); Robert Edward (2017); Francis (2022); and niece Cary Dion (2021).

He is survived by his nephews and nieces and their families of Annapolis, MD: Michael Brady, Patricia Brady, Regina Vasan, Elizabeth Wasielewski, Frank Brady, Jr., Kathleen McMillan, Edward Brady

. Mr. Brady is also survived by his loyal “office” family, Lisa Paul, Nancy Frantz, Mary K. Rinaldo, Gail Bedford and Gloria Capik. To honor this icon of education relatives and friends may call at the Minersville Area High School Auditorium, 40 High School Lane, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Monday, August 10 and the Holy Family Parish Church, Tuesday 538 Sunbury Street, from 9:00 am until 10:30 am. There will be a short tribute during the calling hours at 7:00 pm on Monday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery,

Pottsville. Remembrances to Mr. Brady’s memory in the form of contributions may be made to the Scholarship Foundation he created in 2002 for Minersville Area High School graduates continuing their education. Donation cards will be available during the calling hours. To mail your contribution the address is Brady Scholarship Foundation, C/O Mrs. Lisa A. Paul, Administrator, 4 Queen Street, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Lisa, Nancy, Mary K., Gail and Gloria extend deep gratitude to the nurses, aides, custodians and all staff at Providence Place for their kindness and loving care.

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc., Minersville entrusted with the arrangements.

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