Franklin T. “Frank” Brady, 87, of Westmont, at rest August 19, 2024. Born August 22, 1936 in Chicago, IL. Beloved husband of Carol Bonkowski; loving father of Denise Coffey and Carolyn Brady; cherished grandfather of Cameron and Jack Riley; dear brother of the late Richard J. Brady and Donald E. Brady. Preceded in death by his first wife Jean Brady (nee Roche); his father Leo Brady and mother Sophia Brady. Employed with Illinois Bell Telephone and later with AT&T as a Field Engineer. Franklin was a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and held the rank of Command Sergeant Major until he retired from the Army in 1996. Franklin was very active in the Westmont community. He was past president of the Westmont Chamber of Commerce, the Westmont Communications Commission, Economic Development Committee and later served on the Village Board of Westmont as Village Trustee, effective October 2020. He was past president of Circle Theatre, Oak Park, IL, past president of United States Army, Ft. Sheridan Chapter. President of Quality Telephone Communications, established in 1990. A Husband, Dad Grandfather, Soldier and Team Player. Visitation Friday August 23, 2024 from 4-8 P.M. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services 39 N. Cass Ave., Westmont. Funeral Saturday at 9:45 A.M. at the funeral home, processing to St. Joseph Catholic Church Downers Grove, for a 10:30 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment, with military honors, Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to U.S. Army Emergency Relief Fund 2530 Crystal Drive Suite 13161, 13th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202 www.armyemergencyrelief.org Funeral info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com
Franklin T. “Frank” Brady
August
20,
2024
VISITATION: August 23, 2024
Day: Friday
Time: 4-8 P.M.
Location: Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services
39 N. Cass Ave., Westmont
FUNERAL MASS: August 24, 2024
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:30 A.M.
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church
4801 Main St., Downers Grove
INTERMENT: Queen of Heaven Cemetery
Frank was a true leader in the retired Army community; Friends of the 85th Division, Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Ft Sheridan ROA Chapter 48, Military Order of the World Wars and very involved in the community and family as well and will be missed. His mission has ended and he may finally rest in peace; fair winds and following seas my friend, your rest is well deserved.
Frank was the quintessential command sergeant major during and after his uniformed service. We met as members of the Friends of the 85th Division informal alumni association committee, and he was always a soft-spoken but firm voice of reason. And, as CSMs do, getting things done and done well. When I published our occasional newsletter to our 400 readers or circulated an email question among the 8 in the committee, he was almost always the first to respond, and always with a good word. The extent and variety of his public-service activities was amazing and inspiring.
It is with profound sadness that we pause to remember and honor the life of Frank Brady, a man whose legacy of service, leadership, and dedication has left an indelible mark on our community. As a Past President and Honorary Lifetime Member of the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, as well as a committed member of the Westmont Village Board, Frank’s contributions were numerous and far-reaching.
Frank was not just a leader; he was a visionary who believed in the potential of Westmont and worked tirelessly to make it a better place for all. His time with the Chamber of Commerce was marked by an unwavering commitment to fostering local businesses and promoting tourism, ensuring that Westmont was not just a place to live, but a vibrant community where people could thrive. His efforts were instrumental in shaping our village, creating opportunities and fostering a sense of unity.
As a member of the Westmont Village Board, Frank’s dedication to public service was evident in every decision he made. He approached his role with integrity, always prioritizing the well-being of the community over personal or political gain. His leadership was defined by a deep sense of responsibility, a strong moral compass, and a genuine care for the people of Westmont.
But beyond his many achievements, Frank Brady will be remembered for his kindness, his humility, and his ability to connect with others. He was a man who never sought the spotlight, yet his impact was felt by everyone who had the privilege of working with him. His quiet strength, his wisdom, and his generous spirit made him a respected and beloved figure in our community.
Frank’s legacy is not just in the projects he completed or the initiatives he championed, but in the countless lives he touched along the way. He was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of our community, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
As we remember Frank, let us also celebrate his life and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to Westmont will continue to inspire future generations of leaders, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Frank Brady was more than a leader; he was a guiding light for Westmont, and his absence will be felt by all. Yet, in our grief, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will always be a part of the community he loved so dearly. In addition Frank served our country in the U.S. Army and remain involved with the Association of the United States Army.
Rest in peace, Frank. We will miss you. Your work here is done, but your impact will endure forever.
The world has lost an incredible human being/ soul. He was a great CSM and fellow Soldier. Will be missed by all who knew him. Those who didn’t know him will certainly have positive influences of his lingering devotion to the USA.
I was sorry to hear about the passing of our CSM Brady. I’ve been out of town & not able to attend. Please accept my sincere condolences. I appreciate all that our CSM did at the 85th Div & the association.
May our Lord’s comfort be with all who mourn. May the power of Christ’s surrounding presence & the power of His Resurrection sustain his family & friend in this difficult time.
Pastor Paul Pfeffer
CH USA Ret
85th Div CH