Legendary Marist Dean Al Brazen Dies at 86

Al Brazen at a rare school pep rally in the 1980s. | Marist.net

He knew every student’s name, and if you saw him coming down the hallway, students instinctively straightened their ties.

Al Brazen, who served Marist High School with distinction for 35 years, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12. He turned 86 in August.

Mr. Brazen retired as Marist’s dean of discipline in 1999. He was among the first lay teachers hired at Marist, during the school’s early origins as a Catholic boys’ high school serving the city’s South Side and suburbs.

Before Mr. Brazen became dean of discipline, he served the school in many roles, including, teacher, athletic director and head football coach.

Students fondly recall Mr. Brazen’s strict enforcement of the rules, especially the Marist dress code.

“Al was a pillar of Marist,” Marist’s President Br. Hank Hammer announced on the school’s website. “He was instrumental in building the foundation of the school. We’re indebted to him for all the time, effort, and vision he offered to the young men of Marist.”

For his devoted years of service to the Marist mission, Mr. Brazen was named a Province Affiliate by the Marist Brothers.

Mr. Brazen was a graduate of Weber High School. He earned his bachelor’s at Purdue University, and master’s at George Williams College. He was also named to the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame, Weber High School Hall of Fame, and Marist Hall of Fame, among many other accolades.

A resident of Orland Park, Mr. Brazen is survived by his wife, Josephine, and his five children, Linda, Christopher ’73, Nancy, Donna, and David ’81, and many grandchildren.

Arrangements are pending.