Brady L. Leach Jr. (“Bud”), age 77, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on February 5, following a short illness.
Born on July 17, 1948, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Bud was the beloved son of the late Brady L. Leach Sr. and Dorothea C. Leach. He was raised primarily in Delaware and graduated from John Dickinson High School in 1966.
In 1968, Bud proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until 1972. He often reflected on his military service as one of his greatest accomplishments. During his time in the Navy, Bud served aboard the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier as an Aviation Electronics Technician, where he was responsible for servicing and maintaining helicopters. While in the Navy, he served in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. His service earned him several honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. In September 1969, his helicopter squadron received a commendation from President Richard Nixon for their assistance to communities affected by Hurricane Camille.
Following his honorable discharge, Bud began a distinguished 37-year career in telecommunications. He began as a Switch Technician with Diamond State Telephone Company and continued through corporate transitions with Bell Atlantic and Verizon of Delaware, retiring in 2009. His strong work ethic and problem-solving technical skills defined his long and noteworthy career.
Bud enjoyed many pastimes, including surf fishing along the Delaware beaches, HO-gauge model trains, crossword puzzles, horse racing, NASCAR, and occasional visits to the slot machines at Delaware Park.
Above all else, Bud’s greatest passion was the game of golf. Introduced to the sport by his father, he worked and played at DuPont’s Louviers Golf Course in Newark, Delaware, where he developed and improved his game. A highly competitive golfer, Bud participated in numerous tournaments, including the Delaware Junior Amateur. He was a scratch golfer for many years and shot par or better on countless occasions. His most memorable round came in 1987, when he shot a remarkable 66 at Delcastle Golf Club in Wilmington. Over the years, Bud accumulated an impressive collection of golf clubs, many of which are now being shared with family members and donated to local schools—a fitting legacy reflecting his love for the game.
Bud will be remembered as a kind and generous man, known for his quiet demeanor and dry sense of humor. He valued family, service, and simple pleasures, and he leaves behind many cherished memories.
He is survived by his siblings: Delana Raciti of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; Rosalyn Daisey of Newark, Delaware; Coston Leach (Jeannie) of St. Cloud, Florida; and Kent Leach (Zohreh) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bud’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
Services will be private.
