Remembering Joey Braddock: A Beloved Educator and Friend

McWane Science Center is deeply saddened to share the passing of our dear friend and longtime educator, Joey Braddock, who passed away on August 2, 2025, at the age of 53. 

Joey joined the McWane team in 2014 as a Summer Camp Educator, where he spent over a decade inspiring young minds and spreading his love of science and learning. Known for his warm personality, patience, and infectious sense of humor, Joey made every camper, and every coworker, feel welcome and valued. In addition to his work at McWane, he dedicated 25 years to teaching at Restoration Academy, touching countless lives along the way. Teaching wasn’t just Joey’s career; it was his calling. 

Rachel McKay, STEM Education Specialist, recounted a story that perfectly captured Joey’s creativity and easygoing nature. “I got to teach one camp with Joey that just wasn’t going the way I envisioned it when I wrote it,” she shared. “But Joey was so flexible and so willing to go with the flow that it ended up being a pretty successful week! He could make up a fun activity on the fly that fit the sports theme and kept the campers engaged. One of the best ones was when he grabbed a bucket of chalk and took the kids out to the parking deck to create their own agility courses. The campers had a blast coming up with outrageous rules, and Joey tried to complete every single one of them, laughing right alongside the kids.” 

Whether helping kids engineer contraptions for the annual Great McWane Egg Drop or jumping in to lead hands-on activities, Joey had an unmatched ability to make learning fun. His coworkers remember his energy, his kindness, and his knack for turning small moments into memories that lasted. 

Joey’s love for McWane ran deep, so much so that his daughters, Susan and Janie, also volunteered and worked here over the years. His impact on this community, and on the many young scientists who learned from him, will be felt for years to come. 

Above all, Joey will be remembered for his heart. He lived his life with humility, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and students. 

Our McWane family extends our deepest condolences to the Braddock family. Joey’s legacy will continue to shine through the curiosity, creativity, and laughter he inspired in so many. 

Read Joey’s Obituary Here: Link