David “Freddie” Brownell passed away on Thursday April 16, 2009 at his home in Mattapoisett after a lengthy illness with his wife Margaret and daughter Michelle “Miki” McGreevy by his side. Besides his wife Margaret who he loved so dearly, he is survived by his son Tom Brownell and wife Sharon, daughters Linda Brownell and Sharon Spector and husband John of Mattapoisett; four step-children Richard Keenan and wife Sandy of Sacramento, CA, Stephanie Ogara and husband Larry of Fairhaven, MA, John Keenan of Blue Hills, ME, and Michelle McGreevy of Mattapoisett; his grandchildren, Cindy Stellato, Amy Kovac, Hannah Brownell, Holly Turner, Christian Briggs, J.R. and Shawna Lapointe, Michelle and Taylor Keenan; his great grandchildren, Thomas, Alyson and Evan Stellato, Alex, Andrew, and Gregory Kovac, Hollyn Turner, Jace Lapointe and Christine Keenan.
Mr. Brownell was born and raised in Mattapoisett, and was a life long resident and major contributor to the town. He was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and the founder and president of Brownell Boat Works, Inc. In addition to Brownell Boat Works, Inc. he was the founder of Brownell Boat Trailers, Inc, Brownell Boat Stands, Inc. and what is known today as Brownell Systems, Inc.
“Fred” was an exceptional individual who was self learned and in his early days built high quality powerboats that were sought after by the most elite anglers ever known to fish the waters of Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod and the islands. He was extremely reliable and was always ready to assist his clients even at a moments notice. Fred was also a man with a very high intellect who was the inventor of the hydraulic boat trailer and the adjustable boat stand. These were not only products that assisted him in his day to day operations but products that completely revolutionized the boating industry throughout the United States and around the world. Every time a trailer operator presses a switch on a hydraulic trailer or a yard employee places a boat stand under a boat, it will all be because of Fred’s vision. Testimonial to this is that he was the recipient of the prestigious “Excellence in Technology Award” given out by the American Boat Builders and Repairers Association at a gala reception held at the Bahia Mar Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Although many of the people who have been in contact with him over the years will remember him as a quiet individual with a pencil placed behind his ear in the event he came up with a new idea and needed to make a notation, those who were closer to him will remember him as a very caring person who had an unbelievable sense of humor. The people that really knew him will be talking about the fun times and pranks he’s pulled on them for many years to come. In his own way, he was the life of the party at most of his company outings and Christmas parties. Fred was also a man who had an enormous love for the boating lifestyle and has made a long lasting impression with boatyard and marina owners from Maine to Florida. During his annual trip to south Florida each winter aboard his self-built custom sport fisherman the “Maggie B” these boatyard and marina owners would welcome him with open arms. They would also be on top of their guard, as they never knew what hilarious prank awaited them next. He also enjoyed countless hours aboard his boat in the summer time with family and friends and in the early days he could be found offshore in pursuit of swordfish. Fred was truly an outstanding individual, and his commitment as an inventor, employer, husband, father, grandfather and friend will never be forgotten.
There will be a memorial gathering of family and friends on Friday April 24, 2009 from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Per Dave’s wishes, his cremated remains will be scattered over the water that he loved so much. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.