Avon selectman dies of COVID-19, town administrator says

AVON, Mass. — Avon Selectman Robert F. Brady, 65, who had battled health issues in recent years, passed away Monday after contracting COVID-19, Town Administrator Gregory Enos said in a statement released by the town on Tuesday evening.

Brady, the brother of state Sen. Michael Brady (D-Brockton), served on multiple town boards and committees in Avon for over 17 years.

In 2003, Robert Brady garnered attention while advocating for residents opposing trash transfer stations in neighboring communities. He opposed plans from large organizations to haul debris in trucks through Avon to the nearby Champion City Recycling Center in Brockton, near the Avon town line. He became a founding member of the organization “R.A.T.T.S.” or Residents Against the Trash Transfer Station with members in Avon, Brockton and Holbrook.

In 2015, Brady also actively opposed a trash transfer station proposed in the Town of Holbrook.

Brady was later appointed to Avon's Zoning Board of Appeals in 2003 and served on the Board through 2011. In 2011, Brady was elected to a seat on the Board of Selectmen as a write-in candidate. In his capacity as an Avon Selectman, Brady served on the Norfolk County Advisory Board and as a Special Police Officer for the town.

Brady announced in 2019 that he would not seek re-election due to health reasons. After the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the Annual Town Election earlier this year, Brady continued to serve and guide the town in the face of uncertain times, officials said.

“Bob was a fervent supporter of the public safety departments in town and always was supportive of their efforts. He also was an advocate for Council on Aging causes and attended many of their meetings and events,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Steven Rose said. “I will miss Bob’s ability to be fair to all and as an advocate for the COA and public safety. Bob was a no-nonsense guy, always looking to do what was right for the town. Very seldom did he allow drama to interfere with his decision making and he was always looking out for the little guy.”

Brady, a Brockton native, was an Avon resident for over 25 years. He and his wife were also the owners of National Electrical Testing & Service, Inc. in Brockton. Brady enjoyed marching in the annual Memorial Day parade. He was a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and they proudly rode in the parade each year.

“I will miss Bob’s sense of humor and his counsel. We had many discussions and I saw Bob as a mentor when I got elected. Bob helped me get acclimated to my new role," Avon Selectman Eric Beckerman said. “I respected Bob and his opinion. His commitment to the Town of Avon is something I strive for at all times.”

Brady, a father of three and a grandfather of one, was married to his wife of 32 years, Nancy.

“The Town of Avon lost a champion this week. He was a great supporter of all the hard work put in by the employees of the town,” Enos said. “Bob was a wonderful listener and had a big heart. He was always upbeat and had a great sense of humor. We are honored to have worked with him here in Avon and our town will be forever impacted by his leadership. Bob will be remembered fondly by the Avon community and missed tremendously by all. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

- Boston Coronavirus Information

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV