John Brady, a former Annapolis boys basketball coach, passed away at the age of 78 on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of many years, Sharon, and his grown daughter, Erin.
John Brady wasn’t just a coach, but a force of nature on the sidelines of Annapolis High School.
He was a Hall-of-Fame and local legend, whose methods of coaching were unforgettable: his yelling, screaming, relentless drills that ran players into the ground.
It seemed cruel and oppressive to some, but for those who played for him, it was a lesson in tough love. His practices were battlegrounds, intense 1-on-1 competitions, punishing sprints, and endless free-throw battles.
Brady taught that “your good isn’t your best, and even your best isn’t the finish line.”
Behind the gruff exterior was a man who loved his players in his own fierce way. His legacy is in the discipline and fortitude instilled in generations of players long after they left his court.
Rest in Paradise, Coach John Brady! Thank you for the opportunity! Coaching Legend! My deepest condolences goes out to his Family! A-High you know !!!
DeWayne L. Wallace
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John Brady’s Foundation of Family with Wife Sharon
John Brady, a longtime pillar of the Annapolis community and a dedicated coach, teacher, and family man, has passed away.
As a coach, he was tough as nails, and some might call his coaching style cruel, oppressive, or harsh.
Brady’s life was deeply rooted in family, sports, and mentorship.
He not only guided his teams but also took a personal interest in the lives of his players, often coaching their children in later years.
He was preceded in death by his cherished mother, Clara, who passed away at 81, and his father, John Brady Sr.
Clara and John Sr. were his biggest fans, creating a foundation of unwavering support that Brady credited for all his successes.
Any success I’ve had was because my parents put me in situations growing up that I always expected to succeed. My parents were always very supportive of my coaching and teaching career and very proud of my accomplishments.
John Brady
Brady’s bond with his mother was forged over a shared love of sports, which began in her native Bermuda and flourished in their family life.
He took the good things from both of his parents and used them in coaching and teaching.
Family was his cornerstone, and he lived next door to his parents in Brooklyn Park for nearly two decades alongside his wife Sharon and daughter Erin. They created a multigenerational home filled with love and mutual support.
Brady often noted that the supportive upbringing he received was a model for his own family. Similarly, he and his wife supported their daughter by attending all of her games over the years.
His father, John Sr., fondly remembered meeting Clara in Bermuda while serving in the Marines. They did everything together and raised three wonderful children.
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The Brady family will soon hold a memorial service to celebrate the life of a beloved coach.
A tribute will be aired featuring the 2015 Annapolis Panthers Boys Basketball “Athletes N Action” show in honor of Brady’s memory and lasting legacy.
It will broadcast on Cable TV (8:30 AM & PM and 2:30 AM & PM on Verizon #36 & Comcast #96) and on the AACPS-TV YouTube Channel.
Brady’s life was a powerful playbook of dedication to his family, his athletes, and his community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the strength of his character and the warmth of his devotion.
Rest In Peace, John Brady.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- John Brady graduated from Mount St. Joseph and attended the University of Maryland.
- He was a disciple of the late Dick Hart at Andover and was Hart’s assistant before getting the Annapolis job in 1977.
