Deacon John Paul "Steve" Brody Sr.

Deacon John Paul “Steve” Brody, Colonel USMC, 95, of Camillus, went to meet his Lord and Savior Monday, November 19, 2012. Steve was born in Dobravka, Czechoslovakia on Sunday, July 8, 1917, and overcame hardship in the Great Depression to graduate third in his class from the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1940. Upon graduation, he received a commission from the U.S.M.C. An avid swimmer, he was a PA State Champion in high school and team swim captain at the Naval Academy. He was also on the water polo team. It was at the Naval Academy where he met his future bride, Margaret, during June Week. During World War II, Steve was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery under fire at the Battle of Bougainville. After a two-year plus deployment in the Pacific Theatre, he returned home to marry his bride. Steve worked as a regional sales manager in Central New York for Bridgeport Brass Co. until his retirement. After retirement, he studied in the Roman Catholic Permanent Diaconate program of the Syracuse Diocese. He was ordained in 1981 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Steve’s ministry, in addition to his church duties, was primarily care and visitation of the elderly. He will be remembered for his wonderful homilies, serving his God, and bringing his Lord to all. He baptized many, including his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and it brought him joy to officiate at family First Holy Communions and weddings. Steve was predeceased by his wife, the former Margaret Mary Coyle on November 21, 2010; parents; Michael Brody and Mary Kurezman Brody; a brother and sister; and an infant son, Joseph. Surviving are his children, Dr. Celeste (John Holmberg) Brody, John Paul Jr., Kathleen (Tom) Kingston, Thomas (Patti), Mary Pat (Tom) Boak, Eileen Brody, Margaret (David) Ecklund, Stephen (Lucy), Dr. Michelle (Greg) Stump and Erin (Michael) Wright. He was also survived by his 24 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, William Brody of Long Island; and several nieces and nephews. Steve’s stories and jokes are well-known. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. As Steve would say, “Have a nicea day!” Relatives and friends may call Friday, November 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Holy Family Church. A Vigil Prayer Service for Deacons will follow at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 24 at 9 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Steve will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are by the Buranich Funeral Home, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Food Pantry, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.