Jeffrey Lee Brader

Jeffrey Lee Brader, 67, of Galena, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at his home with his loving family by his side. Jeffrey was born on May 5, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio to his parents Jack and Peggy (Benscoter) Brader, who then raised their family in Forrest Park. He graduated from Northland High School and went on to proudly graduate from and wrestle for The University of Alabama (Roll Tide Roll!) where he earned his bachelor's degree. On August 13, 1977, Jeffrey married the love of his life Marita (Iannarino) Brader. Together they shared 46 wonderful, treasured years. Jeffrey leaves to cherish his memory his wife and best friend Marita Iannarino Brader; mother Peggy Brader; son Josh (Camille) Brader; daughters Talia (Brian) Cromwell and Jenna (Kyle) Durban; grandchildren Bella, Joey and Rocco Brader, Chase, Reese, and Luca Cromwell, and Gus and Via Durban; brother Scott (Sandy) Brader; sister Amy (Mark) Bivenour; aunt Linda Brader; mother-in-law Marjorie (Matacia) Iannarino, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Jeff joins in the eternal rest of heaven his father Jack Brader and father-in-law Gus Iannarino. He will be deeply missed.
Jeff was a man of God and a man of principle. He and his wife Marita raised a family together under the umbrella of their Catholic faith which is evident in the togetherness one experiences in the presence of the Braders. He owned his values and led by example. Self-made, Jeff forged a career as a mortgage banker at Colony, Concord, and Union Home Mortgage Companies. He was active in building up communities and giving families and individuals the opportunity to create beautiful lives of their own. To his colleagues, he was again the example. He served as former president and board member of the Ohio Mortgage Banker's Association. He was a leader to his team and a professional mentor to those professionals walking the same path.
Jeff was a huge soccer fan. He was a proud ticketholder to the Columbus Crew since their inception in 1996. Not content to be just a fan of the sport, Jeffrey ("Papa B" to his players) coached soccer at Strikers, Blast F.C., St. Francis DeSales High School, Dublin Jerome High School, and Polaris S.C. Outside of intramurals, he was very active and health conscious. Some of his favorite moments were spent with Marita on their morning walks and workouts. Beyond all other worldly things, Jeff was most proud of and passionate about his family. He attended any, every, and all athletic games and performance recitals, cheering on his prized grandchildren who in turn lovingly dubbed him "Pappaw." He was also a supporter of Ohio State athletics and an encouraging uncle to all his nieces' and nephews' activities. In his leisure, Jeff loved boating on Alum Creek and vacationing in Naples, Florida.
At his core and permeating through all works he performed in his life, there was his faith. By faith he walked, by faith he led, and by faith he loved. He was a current parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Sunbury and was a previous parishioner of St. Matthias Catholic Church in Columbus and was a former member of Karl Road Baptist Church. As with all his interests, Jeffrey was more than an attendee, he was a participant in his church community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as part of "This Man Is Me" men's group at St. John Neumann.
The span of Jeff's life was full but tragically short. He was a man who lived rightly and lived well on all accounts and made the most of every moment and opportunity he was afforded. He was capable of untold greatness and made sacrifices to any self-serving ends to instead serve the family, the people, and community around him that he might make the world a better place for those he loved. The roles he played in the lives he touched are countless and untold but most assuredly are profound. He raised a God-loving family with Marita and they were devoted to their best interest and growth. He was an example of unconditional love and unwavering faith. In moments of hardship, he served as a leader and mentor; a warm heart with a firm hand to confidently help you learn to make your own way through the dark. Jeff led by faith and acted with love.
The Brader family wishes to extend a special thanks to all the dear, amazing friends, family members, and relatives that are holding them up during this incredibly trying time. They love you and so did Jeff. Your support means more than you know.
Arrangements were made with Snyder Funeral Homes, DeVore Chapel in Sunbury, Ohio. Friends may call at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Sunbury on Tuesday, April 9 from 3:30 to 7:30 with a rosary service being held at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Wednesday, April 10 at 11 AM. A procession to Resurrection Cemetery for burial will take place directly after mass. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Jeffrey's memory to Madhukara who use donations to fund outreach and services to those in need. Thank you for your generosity.