Rev. William M. Brailsford

Father William Brailsford was born April 18, 1961, in Staten Island, New York. He attended Theological College in Washington, DC and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington on May 29, 2004, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Fr. Brailsford was first assigned as Parochial Vicar to St. Ann’s Parish, Washington, DC. In 2007, he was appointed as Chaplain to Sibley Hospital, Washington, DC. In 2010, Father Brailsford was appointed Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann, Gaithersburg, Maryland and in 2011, he was appointed as Director of Pontifical Mission Societies for the Archdiocese of Washington and as Chaplain to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Washington DC. In 2013 he lived in residence at Resurrection Parish, Burtonsville, Maryland to address health issues. In 2014, Fr. Brailsford was appointed Parochial Vicar at Resurrection Parish, Burtonsville. In 2019, he went on medical leave, then in 2020, Father Brailsford moved in residence to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Derwood, Maryland.

Fr. Brailsford was known for his care and concern for those with physical, mental, and emotional needs, and was widely know as a confessor.

Fr. Brailsford is survived by siblings John (Dawn), Ann (Christine), Larry (Diann), Jim (Rosie - deceased), MaryKate, numerous nieces and nephews, and his long-time caregiver MaryLu Hartsell.

The Vigil will be held on Monday, April 28, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Derwood, Maryland, from 3:00 - 7:00pm, with the Vigil Mass at 7:00pm. Bishop Evelio Menjivar will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial there at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 29. Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Upgrading Our Parish Home for Our Children’s Children Children”, the St. Francis of Assisi (Derwood) Capital Campaign.