WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Brian O’Grady, 69, passed away at home on Thursday, November 5, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born in North Adams, Mass., in 1957, Brian was the son of Miles Joseph O’Grady Jr. and Agnes (Todd) O’Grady. He graduated from Drury High School and then North Adams State in 1981 with a BA in sociology and philosophy. Brian devoted his entire career to the selfless service of his community and the residents of Northern Berkshire County. As a young man he worked as a case manager for the Key Program, followed by a 15-year career with Elder Services of Berkshire County. Since 1999, Brian served as the Executive Director of the Williamstown Council on Aging. He was named Senior Center Director of the Year in 2015 by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging. Brian found great meaning and purpose in helping people age with dignity and provide the services and support they needed to do so. Additionally, he served on several community-oriented boards in the region including the Williamstown Community Chest and Berkshire Regional Transit Authority.

Brian was a man of many interests, with a great passion for music, books, his cats, history, and gardening. He relished the opportunity to browse a book store, try a new restaurant, take a long walk, or check out an exhibit at a regional museum. Brian loved horror movies as much as he loved a chamber music recital. He was an avid slow-pitch softball player, a collector of obscure sports facts, and a fan of underdog sports teams.

Brian will be greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Alison (Roe) O’Grady of Williamstown; his daughter Meghan Pinsonnault of Adams and her husband Travis and her daughter Vivian; and his daughter Elizabeth O’Grady and her partner Kenneth W. Kunes of West Springfield. He was predeceased by two sisters, who died in infancy, and a brother, William O'Grady. Brian will be remembered for his kindness, hard work, and generosity of spirit.

A celebration of life will take place at the Williams College Faculty House (968 Main Street in Williamstown) on Thursday, December 3 from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Attendees will be welcome to share memories of their time with Brian. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to HospiceCare in the Berkshires or Pop Cares, Inc., a local nonprofit that helps support families affected by cancer in Northern Berkshire County and Southern Vermont. Donations may be sent care of Flynn & Dagnoli Montagna Funeral Home, 521 W Main St, North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com