Obituary of Donald W. Brown

Donald W. Brown, 1951-2013, can be described in many ways. He was a husband, a father, a brother, a son, an uncle, a boss, a coach, grandfather and a friend. He was a man who lived his life with a determination and passion no matter what his focus was at the time. Don celebrated life, he worked hard, and he played hard and found a way to make it look easy. Don attended Iona College and played hockey there. Don began his business in 1974, (at any given moment you could spot a Donald W. Brown Roofing trucks go by) and he modeled a work ethic that no one could ever replicate. He was respected by not only his employees but by his colleagues and customers as well. In 1976 he married his wife, Maria, and they have spent the last 37 years loving and raising their three children, Nick, Amanda and Megan. However, Don's most recent role as "grandpa" to Blake Donald made him the proudest. His hobbies included gardening; growing and nursing the most stubborn plants, coaching girls soccer, listening to classical music played on the violin by his daughter Amanda (but simultaneously seeking out and following the obscure sounds of the hair bands of the 80's), traveling, eating (hosting Thanksgiving, his favorite holiday, for family and friends all through the years), the 49ers, the beach, following the politics of the GOP (and sharing his opinion), the dogs (all shapes and sizes) and obsessively cleaning and vacuuming! In the short time Don walked this earth, 62 years to be exact, he touched many, was an observer of all, a concerned listener and a trustworthy humble man. It is no surprise to anyone who knew and loved Don that his favorite movie was "It's A Wonderful Life." Don will be missed greatly and thought of often.