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1924
2016
Father Patrick O'Connor Braden, CSB
1924-2016
The Rev. Patrick O'Connor Braden, CSB, fourth president of the University of St. Thomas, passed away on June 16. A U.S. Navy veteran with a doctorate in engineering from the University of Texas, Fr. Braden was known for his love of physics and all things mechanical. Until recently, he could often be seen riding his bicycle or scooter around campus.
Fr. Braden's life was deeply tied to the University of St. Thomas, and to his vocation as a Catholic priest.
"As a priest I feel I can best fulfill my desire for a religious life as well as teach science," he said in a past interview.
Fr. Braden was a 1941 graduate of St. Thomas High School in Houston. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University in 1944. The day after graduation, he was drafted into WWII. In the mid-1940s he worked briefly in aviation electronics in the U.S. Navy, before beginning theological studies at St. Basil's College in Toronto, Canada.
On June 14, 1952, the Feast of St. Basil, Fr. Braden was ordained a priest in the Congregation of St. Basil, the order that founded the University of St. Thomas.
He received a Master of Science degree in 1954 and then a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was also recognized as a Distinguished Engineering Graduate in 1980.
Fr. Braden was president of UST between 1967 and 1979, and under his leadership, enrollment doubled. Since his years as president, he served in many capacities at UST, including chair of the Board of Directors.
For a year after his presidency, he went to Niger, West Africa, helping to bring clean water to people there. Then he was transferred to St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, to be president from 1980-1986. After teaching again at UST, he was assigned to St. Lucia, West Indies, between 1991-1995 where he was the religious superior of the Basilian Fathers and taught at the local university.
He returned in 1995 as an adjunct professor of physics and math at the University of St. Thomas, where he remained until his death.
In addition to teaching, Fr. Braden's many interests included astronomy and working with his hands on automobiles and boats during his spare time. In the wood shop of Donoghue Hall, Fr. Braden had a workshop where he would fix small appliances, build bookshelves or store tools for tinkering with cars.
In a Texas Catholic Herald article in 1979, Fr. Braden said, "[I] find it relaxing to think about where a fuel line should go instead of a report to the tenure committee." He had just finished rebuilding a Mercedes-Benz.
In 1961 and 1963, Fr. Braden was published in the American Journal of Physics. He was also a member of Tau Beta Pi in Mechanical Engineering, and was inducted into the St. Thomas High School Hall of Honor in 2008, 67 years after graduating.
Fr. Braden, a native Houstonian, was born February 1, 1924, is the son of the late Dr. Albert H. and Kathleen O'Connor Braden. He is survived by his brother Dr. David Braden. He is preceded in death by his siblings Albert Braden Jr., Joseph C. Braden, Kathleen Braden Eichelberger.
Visitation will be Monday, June 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Basil, 3802 Yoakum. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 21 at 10 a.m. in the Jerabeck Activity & Athletic Center, on the campus of the University of St. Thomas, 4000 Mt. Vernon St.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the scholarship fund Fr. Braden and his family setup in memory of his parents: The Albert and Kathleen Braden Endowed Scholarship at the University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose, Houston TX 77006, or visit www.stthom.edu/give.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.
My Dad, John C. Freeman taght with Father Braden at the University of St. Thomas. Father Braden was great priest and he watched us Freeman kids grow up! I am glad I had the opportunity to know him many years ago.
Cathy Freeman Brill
July 19, 2016
Father Braden was a great educator, president and fun to be around!
He will be missed!
Donald Rigamonti, PhD, EC
July 19, 2016
May Father Pat rise in glory. Well done, good and faithful servant.
May the Braden and Eichelberger families feel the arms of all who love you surrounding you, and lifting you up in prayer. May you find peace.
~ Cousin Betsy Flagg McBrayer
June 27, 2016
I knew Father Braden as a student in his physics classes at the University of St. Thomas (UST), as the priest who officiated at our wedding (see photo, St. Anne's Church, June 15, 1968), as a friend of long-standing and had the pleasure of serving on the UST faculty with him from 2000-2012. Of the many bright and eminent scientists I have met throughout the years, Father Braden was one of the best and most intellectually curious about everything.
Thomas Malloy
June 22, 2016
Thomas Malloy
June 21, 2016
My condolences. We are not beyond God's mercy, based on Jesus' shed blood. -Ephesians 1:7
L.G.
June 21, 2016
My deepest sympathy for the family, we always have God to lean upon. (Psalms 72:12)
June 20, 2016
A GREAT LIFE; A GREAT PRIEST. WILL TRULY BE SO MISSED BY SO MANY.
ROSE JOHNSON
June 20, 2016
PSALM 146:5,ASSURES US: HAPPY IS THE ONE WHOSE HOPE IS IN GOD.GOD HAS SUCH LOVING CONCERN FOR BEREAVED ONES PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS.
June 19, 2016
May the bereaved family be comforted by reflecting on the many wonderful memories that you can cherish forever.
AL
June 18, 2016
If you graduated from UST Father Braden taught you a class or two in philosophy or theology or sciences. I have a few stories on St. Patrick day arriving at his class after riding on Griffs St Patick day float! He was took time to visit with you. Full of life. God bless his soul. He lived his life giving to others. He is with his family and Priest buddies now! Will always remember him.
Mike Francese
June 18, 2016
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