Peter Richard "Pete" Brady

Peter Richard "Pete" Brady, 67, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully while riding his bike on the trails at Fort Custer Recreational Park on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Pete was born November 27, 1952 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Peter H. and Violet Marjorie (Adams) Brady. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1971 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central. Pete attended Kellogg Community College and obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University. He then earned his Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Pete's career began at Starr Commonwealth where he was a Youth Specialist and eventually an Administrator for the Maple Village campus. In 1994, he continued his career as a social worker for Calhoun Intermediate School District. Later, he was employed at Lakeview Middle School, as well as Prairieview Elementary and finally retired after 30 years of caring for the children of Battle Creek.

He married Lorie Ann Emerson on September 21, 1991 at Starr Commonwealth's Chapel in the Woods. Pete was formerly married to Patricia Collopy Mullin. Surviving are his wife, Lorie; children, Josh Brady of Detroit, Sarah (Steve Osterhout) Brady of Kalamazoo, Leah (Travis) Sleight of Augusta, Peter Seamus Emerson Brady of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren, Abbigayle Brown, Ava Grace Sleight, Aidan Violet Sleight; siblings, Patricia (George) Beronja of Battle Creek, John (Sue) Brady of Saginaw, Diana (Haven) Hemmings of Winfield, TN, Kathleen (Tony) Black of Melbourne, FL, James (Thresa) Brady of Battle Creek, Mel (Ron) Beimers of Battle Creek, , Tom (Janet) Brady of Cocoa, FL, Joanne Strickland of Houston, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Pete was preceded in death by his parents; father- in-law, LaWayne Emerson; nephews, Colten Brady Beronja and Ricky Hemmings.

Pete found peace being outdoors. He believed in the connectedness of the natural world and made sure to be a part of that. He recently transformed a "flower pot" into a boat, restoring a 1960's Boston Whaler that he bought for $100 into his dream fishing boat. Pete hunted (but rarely shot), fished, hiked, traveled, and loved music. Pete was the original lead singer in the band "The Edge". More than anything, he loved his family, inspiring others, and helping children, especially those in need.

Pete was selfless, unconditionally loving, larger than life, and the light of our lives. He loved unequivocally and with his whole heart. He was charismatic, witty, funny, and loved to make others happy. He sang with a gleaming smile and Irish eyes that could light up the whole room. He was a master of words and used his music as the universal language of love. Pete was a connector of ALL people. He loved nothing more than bonding with his beloved family and friends and making sure that everyone was okay. He lived a wonderful life of integrity and did everything he could for those lucky enough to know him.

May we honor his spirit and allow his family, friends, and the world to heal, as Pete believed that anything was possible through the power of love.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, visitation will be limited to 25 people at a time. Visitation will be held at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home on Sunday, November 29th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. & 5:00-7:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 virus, a service will be held for Pete's family at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2020 at the funeral home. To celebrate his life safely and in true Brady spirit, we invite family members and friends to watch with us, so we can be together as a whole family, which will be livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/482618197 or you may also view it on the Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home Facebook page. Inurnment will be held at Bosworth Cemetery in Walton Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to South Michigan Food Bank, 5451 Wayne Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

The family has created a couple videos for you to enjoy.

Peter Brady at the Bob Armstrong Concert may be viewed at https://youtu.be/DHCdnhDdEQg


Memorial Slideshow may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/485478539