Stephen Francis Brady

Stephen Francis Brady, after a prolonged illness, died on May 6, 2024, at the age of 82.

Stephen was born in New York City on October 17, 1941, to John and Ann Baer Brady.  He spent his childhood and teenage years in New York City and Long Island.  He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University in 1963, and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Stanford University in 1966.  He then spent three years at Northwestern University on post-doctoral studies.  In 1969 he joined Merck’s pharmaceutical research division where he conducted advanced research in medicinal chemistry.  He spent over 30 years at Merck as a senior researcher contributing to several medically significant projects.  Among others he was part of the team who developed Crixivan, the groundbreaking drug for HIV.  Steve was the author of a number of published research papers.

Steve had a great love for theater.  He and his family were inveterate theater goers.  He loved all kinds of plays, from classics to edgy contemporary.  He has been associated with The Stagecrafters Theater in Philadelphia for decades; as a producer, as well as a sound designer for countless productions.  Steve has also served on the theater’s Board multiple times and worked tirelessly on the theater’s marketing and publicity.  

Steve also loved art and travel.  For decades he and his wife, Yaga, regularly traveled to the Southwest to admire and collect art, primarily pottery created by local artists representing various Indigenous groups, like Navajo or Hopi.  They also collected folk art of various countries of the world (pottery, carvings, primitive paintings).  They both would bring home innumerable treasures from their trips abroad as well as from local antique dealers and “junk” shops.  

He is survived by his wife Yaga Brady, daughter Sara B. Stewart, son-in-law Richard Stewart and 2 grandsons Alexander and Matthew Stewart, all residing in Philadelphia, and by his younger brother, Mark, who lives in Rochester, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Stagecrafters Theater in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. 
A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at The Stagecrafters Theater in Chestnut Hill, PA.