Robert W. Brown

Robert Warren Brown, 89, passed away December 7, 2017  at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Springfield on June 27, 1928, he was one of six sons of revered parents, the late Irl O. and Julia Gertrude (Berry) Brown. He is predeceased by his brothers Leroy, James, Norman and Richard and survived by brother Irl. As a lifelong resident of Springfield Bob attended city schools including Western New England College and American Intl. College. He was on high school sports teams and played semi-pro football and years later used those skills coaching Pop Warner football and youth baseball. Bob served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired as a police officer from the Springfield Police Department and served as President of both the Massachusetts and Springfield Retired Police and Firefighters Associations for over 25 years.

Caring passionately for his city, Bob worked for local and legislative priorities, ran for State Representative and City Council and became a member of the Insurance Advisory Committee and the Springfield Public Employee Committee. A Son of the American Revolution, he served as past President of its George Washington Chapter and dedicated forty years of his life to genealogy.

Bob was predeceased by his beautiful wife Beverly J. (Fell) Brown. He leaves his children: Darlene Lauer and her husband Scott of West Boylston, Lori LaPalm and her loving mate Michael Ferraro of Warwick, RI, Craig Brown and his wife Debi of Wilbraham, Kevin Brown and his wife Marcia of Besthorpe, England, Barbara Marchese and her husband Wayne of Haverhill and Robert J, Brown and his wife Monica of Longmeadow. Also, he leaves 13 beloved grandchildren and 4 adored great-grandchildren as well as many close family members and friends. All are blessings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the name of Robert W. Brown to the Springfield Retired Police & Firefighters Association, c/o G. Poulopoulos, 40 Oak Knoll Dr., Hampden, MA 01036-9741.