Kenneth L. Brady

Kenneth L. Brady, 86, formerly of Fombell, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at The Province of Wexford.

Born at Ellwood City Hospital on February 24, 1939, he was the son of the late James A. and Isabell (Merriman) Brady. At the age of seven, Ken’s family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up active in his church, high school band, and choir. After graduating high school, he attended Michigan State University and trained as a floral designer.

Through church activities, Ken met and married the late Nancy Ann (Carl) Brady on July 18, 1964. After a decade-long career in floral design, he returned to school, earning a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Longing for country life, Ken and Nancy moved their young family back to the Brady homestead in Fombell. Ken taught first grade at Rowan Elementary School in the Seneca Valley School District, where he was a beloved teacher for many years.

Faith and church life were central to Ken’s life. He served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, handbell ringer, Deacon, and Elder. In 1980, while a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, he originated and designed the Boar’s Head Festival. He also helped create the Advent Carillon program at Calvin Presbyterian Church.

Beyond his dedication to the church, Ken served his community as a founding member of the Ellwood City Historical Society, the Red Barn Players, and the Lincoln Blue Band Boosters, where he served as president. He enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and researching his family’s history. Most importantly, Ken was a devoted caregiver to his beloved wife Nancy for over a decade.

Ken and Nancy shared 55 years of marriage until her passing on December 12, 2019.

He is survived by two sons, Adam Carl (Dana) Brady of Winter Garden, FL, and Matthew Kenneth (Shari) Brady of Clemmons, NC; and one grandson, Aidan Samuel Brady, a First Lieutenant currently serving with the United States Army Special Forces.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim, in 2023.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Avenue, Ellwood City.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 615 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City, with Reverend Sean Brubaker officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s honor to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be shared at marshallsfh.com