Robert Michael Brady
July 8th, 1952 – April 14th, 2025
Robert Michael “Bob” Brady of University City, MO, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 8, 1952, Michael—affectionately known as Bob—attended St. Catherine of Alexandria Grade School and graduated from Riverview Gardens High School. After proudly serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, he returned home and followed in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, beginning a long and distinguished career in law enforcement.
Bob began his distinguished career in the early 1970s with the Pagedale Police Department, proudly serving his community until 1980. While in Pagedale, he demonstrated his commitment to youth outreach by starting a youth softball team through the Police Athletic League (PAL), helping to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and local families.
One of Bob’s most impactful contributions came through his leadership of the North Central Drug Task Force from June 1993 to December 2014. Under his command, the task force executed more than 1,146 search warrants and 110 SCATS operations, resulting in over 1,000 arrests, the seizure of $746,000, and the removal of more than 1,000 firearms from the streets. Bob’s tireless work earned him respect across the region and solidified his reputation as a leader in narcotics enforcement. Known affectionately as part of “The Dream Team,” Bob was as committed to mentorship and officer development as he was to law enforcement operations. He dedicated himself to shaping the next generation of police officers, instilling in them the values of integrity, duty, and compassion.
He received too many awards and honors to list for his service and bravery, including the Medal of Valor, awarded to him on May 21, 1983, in recognition of extraordinary courage in the line of duty. In January 1994, he was recognized by the FBI for his leadership, spirit of cooperation, and contributions to violent crime investigations in the St. Louis metropolitan area. On March 27, 1997, he received special recognition from the Missouri Narcotic Officers Association for his dedication to law enforcement in the state of Missouri.
In the late 1980s, Bob, alongside his friend Walker, founded B&W Police Security, a private security company that became an important stepping stone for aspiring police officers. Many young men and women began their careers under his guidance and went on to serve with distinction in law enforcement.
Bob was also a former Specialist Four in the U.S. Army, serving as a defense command hub 3/59th forward early warning radar operator. For his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Expert M16 Badge, the Expert Hand Grenade Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He is survived by his loving daughters: Tracy L. Brady, Michelle Whitener, Nicole Brady(Michael Lawson), Jamie Brady (Joe Mathis), Michelle Brady and Lydia Oetker. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Angie Conway; Diann S. Harris (Mother of Jamie Brady), and his beloved grandchildren.
Bob will be deeply missed by his siblings: Mary Catherine Clayton, Edward Brady, Patricia Brady (Paul Bauer), Colleen Bynum (Dennis), and Tracy Brady (Al Puknat). He was a cherished uncle, nephew, cousin and special friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Robert and Margaret A. Brady (née O’Donnell); his paternal grandparents, Michael and Catherine Brady; his maternal grandparents, Patrick J. and Mary Ellen O’Donnell; his younger brother, Daniel William Brady; his brother-in-law, William M. Clayton; his dear niece and “partner in crime,” Linda Baur; and his best friend, business partner, and “brother from another mother,” Greenbaylum Walker.
Bob was a humble man who never saw himself as better than anyone else. He treated everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect. The only time he ever looked down on someone was when he was lending a hand to help them up. His warmth and ability to make others feel seen and valued were unmatched. Though he never sought the spotlight, the lives he touched and inspired could light up the night sky.
He received countless awards and commendations throughout his law enforcement career—not only for his bravery and expertise but for the compassion he brought to every role. Yet, he found his greatest joy in simply helping others.
Bob had a deep love for animals and a rare talent for fostering harmony among even the most unlikely companions—dogs, cats, and birds living peacefully together were a regular sight in his home. He brought that same spirit of peace and connection to people from all walks of life.
Bob cherished time spent at his boat and condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, where he loved playfully bouncing his kids and grandkids across the water on rafts or playing games for endless hours at the local arcade. In retirement, he could often be found at his “new office”—the local dog park—with his beloved dog, Zach, and a new community of two-legged and four-legged friends. He was also a wonderful neighbor—always quick with a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word. His presence brought a sense of warmth, safety, and friendship to his entire street.
Just Pass-N Through-The name of Bob’s boat is quite fitting for the way he lived his life. We are all visitors to this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to learn, grow, love, and leave the world a better place before we return home. Bob did all of those things —his legacy of kindness, service, and joy will never be forgotten. If you had the blessing of knowing him, you were better for it. His impact will live on in all the lives he touched and the safer communities he helped build. He left the world a little better- and that’s the kind of life worth celebrating.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:23
A private burial with military honors was held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations or a charity of your choice are appreciated:
Needy Paws Rescue
C/O Lora Pappas
OR
Backstoppers
PO Box 795168
St. Louis, MO 63179-0700
A celebration of of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Tower Grove Park – Music Stand Pavilion, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Address: 2717 Music Stand Loop, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the celebration of life, share memories, and honor Bob’s extraordinary life and legacy.
To the Brady family. You have my deepest condolences. Your father, brother, and uncle, was a father figure in my life. It is because of him (Brady, as I affectionately called him) I experienced thinks in childhood I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. I appreciated his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He is truly missed. I pray that God comforts you in your time of loss. Thinking of you all. -Tia C. (sister of Jamie Brady Marhis)
Where do I start. Chief Bob Brady was everything to me. He taught me great lessons in police work as well as life. He taught me the keys to building police & community trust. That’s why we solved 90% of our crimes. The lessons I. Narcotics were unmeasurable. After my surgery , Brady checked on me every few days. When I got out of the hospital, he stop answering his phone, because I know him, I knew something was wrong. He didn’t want anyone to see him in his health department lining state. I’ll live with our last conversation. Sleep on sir, you earned your rest.
Miss you much. Sgt. B
Pops , my sweet , clam , cool , level headed Pops
Wow , what a Journey dude , what a QUITE HERO you were. I’m going to miss you , your dog & bird video texts , your sweet demeanor. What an honor it is to be apart of your legacy. Not because you were perfect , not because you got it all right ,but rather just because of who you were to so many, the impact you left on this world.
The one thing you always told me ” I’m proud of you. ” Now I wish you were here so I could tell you how Deeply Proud of you I am.
We all get a little lost sometimes , life isn’t easy , we are all trying to find our way , I’ll continue to do my best , continue to make you proud your legacy will never be forgotten, I know that for sure because the best parts of you are in me.
If there is an Internet in Heaven and you see this Im just pass-n through to say I love You.
Rest In Power Dad
God has you in his arms, and everybody has you in their hearts.
Bobby was a great mentor to me and even a better friend.
Love you brother, will miss you deeply
I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing! The streets are safer and he left this world a better place due to his love of law enforcement!He was so committed to his community in making this world 🌎 a better place! Job well done rest in peace.My condolences to his family and friends and to his Brothers and Sisters in Blue 💙
I grew up in the City of Northwoods where I
watched and admired Bob and the crew keep our City free of crime. When I became of age I met Bob and Walker at the Animal house entertainment center while I was working off duty Security as a Moline Ackers Police Officer. They excepted me with open arms into the Northwoods Police Department, where my real Police training began. Bob was always there to help guide me through this honorable profession.
It’s because of Bob and his crew, I am proudly in my 39th year as a Police Officer, having worked my way up from ROOKIE to CHIEF of Police.
Bob will forever be loved and missed
THEY DON’T MAKE THEM LIKE THAT ANYMORE!