Gerald E. Brown, Sr. 75, died Saturday September 16 in the Brockton Hospital surrounded by his wife and children. He was the beloved husband of Sue (Tuholski) Brown.
He was the son of the late Frederick W. and Alice L. (Strong) Brown and lived most of his life in East Bridgewater, graduating from East Bridgewater High School in 1959.
He joined the US Navy shortly after graduating high school and served most proudly aboard the USS Randolph. Upon separating from active duty, he continued service in the Naval Reserves, Squadron VP-92 at South Weymouth Naval Air Station for 20 years. In his civilian life, he worked for 20 years at the Joppa Service Station in East Bridgewater. He then worked as a surveyor for Yunits Engineering in Holbrook, MA. Upon his retirement, he worked at Ocean State Job Lots in East Bridgewater for several years where he meticulously maintained the hardware and pet departments.
He was passionate about woodworking and would spend hours in his garage working on a variety of unique and complex projects. He also cherished his two cats, Brady and Amanda.
In addition to his wife Sue, he is survived by his loving children Lisa Zindle and her significant other Louis Mandanici of Abington, Melissa Gemmill and her husband Brian of Framingham, Gerald Brown Jr. of East Bridgewater and Paul Brown and his wife Kristi of Chula Vista, CA; his sister Thelma Hamel and her husband James of Bridgewater and his sister-in-law, Sandra Brown of East Bridgewater. He was predeceased by his brother, Frederick W. Brown Jr., his sister, Elizabeth (Brown) Murphy, and his brother-in-law, E. Russell Murphy.
He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Reid Zindle, Branton and Emma Gemmill, Mikayla Mandanici, Paul Jr., Savanna, Jackson and Abigail Brown as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also the loving grandfather of the late Travis Zindle.
His funeral service will be held Thursday September 21 at 10:00 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will follow at 12:30 PM in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday September 20 from 5:00-7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, whose mission is to heal the invisible wounds for Veterans, Service Members and their Families.
Checks may be mailed to:
Home Base
MGH Development Office
125 Nashua Street, Ste. 540
Boston, MA 02114