John Brady remembered as the ultimate public servant

John Brady, a former attorney and first openly gay elected official in Delaware, has died after a long illness.

Brady, 66, died at his home Aug. 10, with his family, friends and caregivers by his side.

Brady was a deputy attorney general and the only person to be elected to three Sussex County row offices – register in chancery, recorder of deeds and clerk of the peace. He lost a statewide race for insurance commissioner.

As clerk of the peace, Brady performed the first legal same-sex marriages in the state starting July 1, 2013. He performed more than 1,000 marriages in his four-year term.

On the day before his passing, former Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf and former Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long presented Brady with the Order of the First State, Delaware’s highest civilian honor bestowed upon individuals who meet a high standard for community service.

“I never expected to get this award, but I’m very appreciative,” Brady said.

Brady’s walls were lined with the many accolades he received over the years from the state legislature, Sussex County Council and Delaware Supreme Court.

Hall-Long signed the Order of the First State when she was governor for two weeks in January, but Brady’s health delayed the presentation. She said Brady had an amazing record of public service.

“You have a remarkable legacy, and that legacy is going to continue forward through family, friends and all of us that you’ve touched,” Hall-Long said. “We, in Delaware, are better for this.”

Schwartzkopf and Hall-Long said Brady was always there to help them from the first day they became members of the state legislature.

“I didn’t know how to read the law. He was actually on the Republican caucus side as an attorney, but he was the one I would run to when I had a legal question,” Schwartzkopf said. “He taught me how to read the law, which helped make me speaker.”

Sussex County Council issued a statement Aug. 11.

“John Brady was synonymous with public service. From serving as the register in chancery to recorder of deeds and eventually clerk of the peace, John enjoyed working with and on behalf of the people of Sussex County,” said Sussex County Council President Douglas B. Hudson. “We are saddened by his loss, but Sussex County will forever be grateful for his counsel, wisdom and dedication to doing the people’s work.”

Brady announced his retirement in 2024, after 32 years as a member of the Delaware Bar and 16 as a state employee. He had been battling health issues for many years and had an artificial heart since 2017. 

“I didn’t take good care of my health. If I had, I would still be able to practice law that I love,” Brady told the Cape Gazette in 2024. “I’ve always tried to help people. I was never in it for the money.”

Brady was able to host a legal advice show on WGMD radio one last time Aug. 8.

“John was the people’s lawyer,” said WGMD host Jake Smith, who visited with Brady on the day he died. “He never talked down to people; he talked up to people. He had a very simple way of analyzing wills or estate issues. He will be remembered as the ultimate public servant.” 

Brady was an Eagle Scout, scout leader and worked as a professional scouter.

In 2023, he received the Founders Award, one of scouting’s highest honors.

Pat Campbell-White, Brady’s friend and longtime caregiver, said funeral arrangements are pending. She said they are planning for memorial services in September in Lewes and at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine in Wilmington.