Andrew J. “Andy” Brown a longtime Needham resident died on Sunday, December 17th at the Stanley R. Tippett House in Needham. He was 86 years old. Born in Jamaica Plain, the son of the late Mary (Yule) and Everett Brown, Andy grew up in Dedham. At the age of 16, he joined the Naval Reserves and late served in the Navy during World War II. Mr. Brown attended the Franklin Institute of Boston and started his own plumbing and heating business, A.J. Brown Plumbing and Heating in Needham. He served the town of Needham for 35 years as the plumbing and gas inspector. Andy was a pilot and avid boater. He loved people and had an excellent sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Andy was a long time member of the Society in Dedham for the Apprehending of Horse Thieves. He leaves his devoted wife of over 60 years, Evelyn (Merrifield), a son, Stephen Brown of Waltham and daughter Susan Brown of Texas and Jeanne Rafter and her husband Craig of Dover. He was the sister of Marion Fitzpatrick of Hingham. Also survived by 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services at the First Baptist Church 858 Great Plain Ave Needham on Friday December 22nd at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours at the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Thursday from 4-7 PM. Interment with military honors will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Dover. In lieu of flowers donations in Andy’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1 Bromfield St., Boston MA 02108.