Former Lieutenant Governor Julio A. Brady Dies At 73; Condolences Pour In

ST. THOMAS — The territory is mourning the passing of “one of its most beloved native sons,” as Governor Kenneth Mapp puts it, after the former Lieutenant Governor and Superior Court Judge, Julio Anthony Brady, died this morning.

He was 73.

Brady served as the lieutenant governor of the territory from 1983 to 1987 during the second term of former Governor Juan Francisco Luis, and has served as a Superior Court judge since 2006.

But his career began long before his tenure as lieutenant governor or judge. The dedicated leader began his legal career at the Legal Aid Society of New York, as a public defender. He later served as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Virgin Islands from 1971 to 1973. Brady was later promoted by President Richard M. Nixon to U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands.

Governor Luis trusted Brady’s leadership and tasked him to oversee the operations of six executive agencies dealing primarily with law enforcement and the justice system.

In 2013, the Virgin Islands Legislature honored Brady for his many years of distinguished public service and his contributions to the Virgin Islands community.

And today the territory’s leaders, beginning with its chief executive, expressed condolences and praised Brady for his life of service to the islands.

“Our Virgin Islands community has lost one of its most dedicated, and one of its most accomplished native sons,” Governor Mapp said, who signed a proclamation ordering that all flags on government property be flown at half staff until the day of Brady’s internment. “His influence is in every aspect of our political and legal development.  It is with the deepest respect and admiration for Judge Brady that I call on every Virgin Islander to take a moment to reflect on just some of our collective history, which Lt. Governor Brady helped to shape.”

He added: “As a community, we have much to thank Judge Julio Brady for.  On behalf of a grateful territory, I extend our deepest condolences to his widow, Gwendolyn, his daughter Julie-Marie, his son Andrew, and his grandchildren, his siblings and the entire Brady family. We thank Julio for his work and his dedication to our beloved Virgin Islands.”

Lieutenant Governor Potter, too, expressed remorse.

“The news of Julio Brady’s passing was received with a heavy heart,” Potter said. “He was a humble public servant; a man who dedicated his life to the people of the Virgin Islands.  I admired and respected him for his legacy in all that he has done for this territory. The territory has lost a gentle giant who had rightfully earned the distinction of being an outstanding Virgin Islander.”

The Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands extended heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Judge Brady.

“Judge Brady had an unyielding commitment to the practice of law in the Virgin Islands, and an exemplary career of public service,” said Chief Justice Rhys S. Hodge on before of the Supreme Court justices. “He served with distinction has a judge of the Superior Court and a designated justice of the Supreme Court on may appellate cases. He was a true stalwart of the legal profession and the judiciary. We mourn the loss of a treat jurist and a true friend of the Virgin Islands.”

Senator Janette Millin Young, who said she became acquainted with Brady because of his relationship with her family, mourned with the community, stating that his years of service and dedicated leadership will be a tough act to follow.

“We mourn the passing of an extraordinary, talented and gifted public servant who dedicated his life to the people of the territory in numerous capacities with distinction, integrity and dedication. He leaves a legacy of public service that will be difficult to match and should serve as a source of pride for his family, loved ones and many friends and supporters,” Millin Young said.

“I will miss my friend Julio, and our valuable time together.  I am thankful that not too long ago, I had the opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon with him and Gwen at his home,” she added.

Senator Kenneth Gittens said when he heard of the news, he immediately pondered upon the legacy Brady left behind.

“I received the sad news earlier today and had to really wrap my mind around the impact that this great Virgin Islander has made on our community,”Sen. Gittens, chairman of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, said. “When I heard that he had passed, I thought of just how influential he had been as a member of this community for decades. He has been blazing the trail for so many of us to follow and I thank him.”

“Judge Brady will be remembered for his leadership and many years of service to this territory and the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Sen. Novelle Francis.  “He was a great statesman, who brought a well-reasoned and intelligent approach to his many years as a respected attorney, jurist and as an elected leader.”

Senate President Neville James paid his respects as well: “Today I join colleagues in government and politics, and countless residents across the territory, in mourning the passing of former Lieutenant Governor Julio A. Brady. He was an inspiration to many and he faced his long fought illness with the same determination and courage that marked his entire career.”

But it was the governor, referring to Brady as his friend, who expressed emotion that could only be conjured by friendship.

“I will miss my friend Julio, and our valuable time together.  I am thankful that not too long ago, I had the opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon with him and Gwen at his home,” the territory’s leader said.

“We talked about his health, the politics of the day and good old fashioned melee. Judge Brady and I had a deep and long lasting personal friendship.  He also served as my attorney in personal matters on several occasions.  I trusted his intellect and his counsel.  Julio also made a mean salt fish gundy and he tried to teach me to do the same. I was more interested in eating his than making my own,” he concluded.

Feature Image: Former Lieutenant Governor Julio A. Brady stands in the center of two other former Virgin Islands leaders.