John Brady Nelson was born August 1, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia.  After WWII, his parents, Clifford J. Nelson and Mary Elizabeth (Brady) Nelson settled down with their five children in Washington, DC.  John, the oldest of 22 grandchildren, was often tasked with chores on his grandparents' farm in Kilmarnock, Virginia.

In 1959, John graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School and soon joined the Marines.  Following his service, this young entrepreneur launched Nelson Paving Company.  In 1975, he incorporated Tri-State Explosives, serving many customers with demolition/implosion.  The coal mines of Pennsylvania's Somerset County gave John a chance to refine his skills as an explosives engineer.  He blasted countless tunnels for the Washington Metro Redline and prepared foundations for the twin Gannett Towers/Arlington.  John was the master blaster in the 80s and 90s at Rockville Crushed Stone.  He was a member of the International Society of Explosives Engineers and contributed many articles to Bang! (the Society's newsletter).   Hired as a consultant, he witnessed a large-scale reenactment of the 1862 Battle at Antietam.

An avid runner, John completed two Marine Corps marathons, as well as the Virginia Beach Shamrock marathon.  He maintained a robust commitment to running/athletics most of his adult life -- was fully vested in his Walter Mitty team for many seasons.

In 1999, John turned his considerable talent to home repairs -- City Services of Washington.  Little travel was involved, just the way he liked it.  To put the cap on his nearly 60-year career, John later worked for years at The Strittmatter Companies as the Assistant Safety Manager.

Throngs of Brady cousins grew up hearing "Johnny" stories -- perhaps his easy Irish narrative (blarney) just made it fun to listen to him.  His quick wit, infectuous laugh, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye endeared him to so many.  This generation of nieces and nephews, too, has come to savor the "Johnny" stories.

A warhorse Redskins fan.  HTTR every Sunday.  Burgundy and gold the banner.  And, as one just might expect, married a former Redskins cheerleader.

Always gave a hand/some advice; quiet but staunch volunteer with Mitch Snyder's efforts for DC's homeless population; used his abundant common sense and street smarts to 'get to the bottom' of a problem.

His gruff, bearded "craggy old man" persona belied a generous, tender, empathetic champion -- POPPY.  For these eight, he would promptly silence Fox News to listen to his grandchildrens' concerns and respond with a Sure-Fire Poppy Solution for the matter at hand.

Patrick Randal Rollman

Jayda Marie Simms

Halie Grace Ransom

Kathryn Marie Ransom

Conor Max Williams

Bradley Tregoning

George Clexton

Mary Sullivan Clexton

John's life came to a peaceful end December 22, 2023, at his home in Bethany Beach, with diane.  An appropriate Irish/Swedish Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring.  Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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