Charles Edward Brady III

Charles Edward Brady III, 74, beloved husband, father and Pop-Pop, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in Wilmington, DE, surrounded by his family. By Chuck’s side as always was the love of his life, Marilyn Vent Brady, his wife of more than 54 years and his tireless caregiver throughout his final months.

Family meant the world to Chuck. For decades he devoted himself to researching his family tree, traipsing around cemeteries and poring over decades-old documents in order to discover another connection or reach back one more generation.

Chuck’s own branch of the tree began on August 3, 1949, when he was born the eldest son of Dolores (May) and Charles Edward Brady, Jr. He grew up on Court Street in Claymont, on a block lined with family members. The Brady home was eventually packed by his five siblings: Wayne Brady (Kathy), Michael Brady (Betty), Karen Carletti, Scott Brady (Edna), and Janie Blanch (Burt). Chuck often said that the house never felt crowded, but he found occasional refuge in the nearby homes of his grandparents, Elizabeth and Charles Edward Brady, Sr., and Olive and Reginald May.

After graduating from Claymont High School, Chuck served in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1972, which took him to the Philippines, Japan and Hong Kong. During that time he and Marilyn were married in 1969, having met while working together at Woolworth’s Five and Dime in Claymont. The newlyweds began their life together in San Diego, California, returning home to Delaware following Chuck’s service. In 1973 he followed in his father’s footsteps at the DuPont Edge Moor plant, where he worked until his retirement in 2011, rising to the level of supervisor.

Chuck was always proud of his three sons, Shaun Douglas, Matthew Christopher, and Timothy Charles – and occasionally they deserved it. The rest of the time he would be the first to enjoy a laugh at the stories of how they fell short. He never let them forget how lucky they were in choosing his daughters-in-law, Jennifer, Rebecca, and Claire, who he treated as adopted daughters.

Pop-Pop Brady, aka Pop-Pop the Chuck Man, cherished and doted on his four grandchildren: Lucas Matthew, Benjamin Kevin, Paige Justine, and Olivia Eileen Brady, all the children of Matt and Becky.

No one who ever knew Chuck could forget his warm smile and hearty laugh. He loved a good joke and adored a terrible one; if the groans sometimes outnumbered the laughs, we suspect he might have preferred it that way. He was passionate about music and passed along to his children the art of a carefully crafted playlist, even when their tastes diverged from his. He loved movies – at least a dozen or so that he watched incessantly, much to Marilyn’s loving chagrin. He was an Eagles fan and a collector, be it coins or Hawaiian shirts, fast food glasses or Killer Klowns toys.

Most importantly he loved and shared his life with Marilyn – whether spending time with their kids and grandkids, antiquing, whale-watching, trekking to Florida in an overpacked car, frequenting their favorite restaurants, or simply enjoying a restful hour in front of the TV. Chuck will be missed by all who knew him, most of all by his family who loved him immeasurably.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Saturday, November 25 from 9:30 - 11:00AM.  A Remembrance Service will begin at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to VFW Post 2907, 313 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19809.

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