Phillips Douglass "Phil" Brady

Phillips Douglass Brady (Phil), 77, of Orleans, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at Cape Cod Hospital.
Born June 4, 1948, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Phil was the son of Philllips and Osee Brady and grew up in the Assonet community that would remain close throughout his life. From early on, Phil showed curiosity, warmth, and humor - on the athletic field, in academics, on the stage, or simply in conversation.
At Apponequet Regional High School, Phil distinguished himself as a multi-talented student: lettering all four years in track, where he held the school's javelin record for more than 25 years, playing football, singing in select vocal ensembles, and acting in school theater productions. His love of music and performance carried forward to college at the University of Connecticut, where he participated in football, track, and toured across New England with the Madrigal Singers. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from SMTI / SMU (UMass Dartmouth).
Phil proudly served in the United States Navy as a Corpsman (HM2) during the Vietnam era. His service included three naval commendations, recognition as Company Honor Man, and the second highest point average recorded at Naval Corps School at that time.
After his military service, Phil built a 35-year career with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries as a marine biologist, specializing in anadromous fish, serving as Project Leader in that field. He loved his occupation, feeling it had the best combination of field work and satisfying analysis in the office.
Phil's community and musical engagement were constants. He served as a deacon at the United Church of Assonet and continued his musical involvement through church choirs, including travels with the Saints & Singers Choir - highlighted by performances that included a multi-choir celebration in St. Petersburg, Russia, and singing at Carnegie Hall.
Above all, Phil was a devoted husband to Louise, whom he began dating in 1962 and married in 1971 - a partnership that spanned decades of shared music, travel, learning, and simple joys like scenic drives across Cape Cod to catch the sunset twice in a single evening. Together they made their retirement in Orleans where Phil continued lifelong learning through classes at the Snow Library, exploring topics from Celtic history to gardening and film appreciation.
Phil had a gift of caring for others. As a Navy corpsman, marine biologist, church member, husband, father, and friend, he was often the first person people turned to for reassurance, practical help, a lighthearted quip, or simply a steady presence. He loved books, collecting quotes and interesting facts until the very end, and rarely missed a chance to deliver a pun or gentle joke. His playful spirit showed up in small, memorable ways - enthusiastically wielding a novelty hammer at a Swedish store, sporting a pith helmet for fun, or experimenting in the kitchen where his cooking was excellent, even if his flavor experiments (including a firm belief that mayonnaise could rescue leftover spaghetti) sometimes surprised his family.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Althea. He is survived by his beloved wife Louise; his daughters Megan (married to Scott), and Heather (married to Nate); his sister Sharlie; nieces Charlotte and Bre; nephew Doug; in-laws Linda and Jeff; and dear friends Kay and Craig, Julie and Roger, along with extended family, colleagues, friends, and community members whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Phil's life will be held Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Assonet in Assonet, Massachusetts. Friends and family are warmly invited to bring memories and the stories that made him who he was. A live-stream or recording are as yet to be determined.
Phil will be remembered for his kindness, humor, curiosity, steady care for others, and the quiet way he made people feel safe, seen, and welcome. His presence left a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's or Anah Shriners:
Shriners Children's
C\O Anah Shriners
1404 Broadway
Bangor, ME 04401