ROCKFORD— Msgr. Thomas C. Brady, P.A., died Dec. 9, 2020, at Presence Cor Mariae Center, Rockford, where he was a resident. 

 

Msgr. Brady was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Harvard, to Joseph and Mary Nolan Brady. 

 

He attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, (1946-1948) where he received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He then attended St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, Md., (1950-1954) where he received a bachelor’s degree in theology. 

 

He went on to further his studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana (1959) where he received a master’s degree in school administration. He then attended Loyola University, Chicago, (1969) and received a master’s degree in religious education. He later went on to receive his Ph.D. in counseling-psychology at Walden University, Minneapolis (1975). 

 

Msgr. Brady was ordained to the priesthood May 27, 1954, by Bishop Raymond P. Hillinger at St. Joseph Parish in  Harvard. 

 

His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. James Parish, Rockford (1954-1958). He was then assigned as a faculty member at Marian Central Catholic High School, Woodstock (1959-1961); and was then assigned administrator at St. Patrick Parish, Hartland (1960-1963). 

 

He then served as superintendent at Marian Central Catholic High School, Woodstock (1961-1963). He later served as superintendent at Boylan Central Catholic High School, Rockford (1963-1969). He also served as director of the Catholic Education Office (1968-1977).

 

Msgr. Brady was assigned as pastor at SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Rockford (1972-1979). He served as director of Priestly Life and Pastoral Ministry (1977-1980). He was then assigned as rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford (1979-1984). 

 

In 1982, he was assigned as vicar for Spiritual Formation and later appointed director of Bishop Lane Retreat House. In 1987 he was assigned as spiritual director for the Permanent Diaconate. Also in 1987, he was assigned as vicar general serving in that position until 2012. 

 

In 1994 Msgr. Brady received the Papal Honor of Protonotary Apostolic Supernumerary, the highest level title of monsignor in the Church. 

 

He was then assigned as pastor at St. Peter Parish, South Beloit as well as Church of the Holy Spirit, Roscoe (1989-2004). He also served as director of Catholic Cemeteries from 1997-2012. 

 

Msgr. Brady retired from active ministry on July 1, 2004, and continued to assist in various local parishes. 

 

He served the U.S. Air Force as technical advisor to the Chief of Chaplains and gave ecumenical adult workshops for the Air Force in England, Spain, Germany and Turkey. 

 

In 1997 Msgr. Brady published his first book “The Understanding Heart” and later published “The Power of Listening.” 

 

Msgr. Brady was also a gifted artist and had a great passion for anything railroad, and his prized alma mater, Notre Dame. 

 

He is predeceased by his parents, brothers William John, Robert Leo and Richard Paul Brady. 

 

He is survived by his sister-in-law Hanna Brady; nieces Deborah (Jack) Venable, Colleen (Dan) Calhoun and Laurie (Dennis) Wilkening; nephew David (Katherine) Brady; and many great-nieces and nephews. 

 

A walkthrough visitation was Tuesday, Dec, 15, 2020, 3-7 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Peter,  Rockford. The funeral Mass was Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the cathedral. 

 

Burial was at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Harvard. 

 

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the funeral Mass for Msgr. Brady was not open to the public but was livestreamed at www.rockforddiocese.org.

 

Arrangements were by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Rockford.