Robert Harrison Brown, Sr., fondly known as Gramps, was born on May 7, 1933, in Elizabeth, NJ. He was 1 of 7 children born to Early and Eva Brown. Robert entered eternal rest on December 1, 2024, at 91 years young.
Robert grew up in Cranford, NJ where he graduated high school in 1953. At the age of 18, he started a career in the United States Army, serving a total of 20 years. During his tenure he served in the Vietnam and Korea wars and was given several awards to include four bronze medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He often talked about the years he was stationed in Germany, which was notably one of his most enjoyable duty stations. Robert retired from the Army in 1973, at which time he settled his family down in Long Branch, NJ. At that time, he began his career in law enforcement, serving in various police related positions. Robert’s last employment was as a military police at Fort Monmouth, NJ. He served in that position for 11 years, retiring in 1996 with the rank of Lieutenant.
Robert could always be found with a whistle on his lips, a smile on his face, sunglasses on his eyes, and a retired vet cap on his head. One of his favorite responses when you asked him how he was doing was “I am blessed by the best and I can’t be stressed, and I ain’t taking no mess”. He will be remembered by the various sayings and songs that he often shared, such as “It must be jelly because jam don’t shake like that.” “I’m fine as wine and twice as mellow,”and “See you, love you, bye.” He was a simple man, who lived a joy-filled life.
Robert had many hobbies such as talking over the CB radio; listening to the police scanner; recording breaking news and anything else that was of interest; playing the bass guitar; cooking his family breakfast specialties of corn beef hash, scrapple, scrambled eggs, and S.O.S; going to the movies; and walking around the mall greeting everyone, and we mean EVERYONE, he met. He was a sharp dresser, always put together well, and at a certain age started wearing Nikes with everything. As the matraite of the family, he was always there when needed, giving life lessons to all those he loved. He always encouraged you to stick with the Lord because He won’t let you down.
Robert is predeceased by his wife Katherine E. Brown, who he lovingly referred to as Poops, in 1995 and his best friend and brother, John Brown in 1998.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert H. Brown, Jr. and Sharanda Brown, who were also his caretakers for the past 5 years; son, Mark L. Brown; three daughters, Teresa M. Brown, Michelle Young, and Beth Anne Frasier; 14 Grandchildren Katrina Young, Riley Young, Amarilys Young, Isaiah Jackson, Cassaundra Brown, Rachel Sneed, Keith Sneed, Stephen Young, Calvin Diggs, Divine Frasier, DaQuane Brown, James White, Jr., Obsession Brown, and Sensational Brown; 15 Great Grands Jeremiah Jackson, Arianna Young, Amari Young, Kayla Nastasi, Kaitlyn Nastasi, Josiah Sneed, Judah Sneed, Kalia Frasier, Nehamiah Frasier, Emanuel Frasier, Isabella White, Josiah White, Elijah White, Leilani White, and Sereno Surrette as well as a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces; great-great nephews and nieces; great-great-great nephews and nieces. He also leaves a wealth of other relatives and friends to cherish his memories.
To the Brown Family,
Please receive my prayers and deepest condolences. I am a close friend of Ms. Teresa and she has only exemplified how much of a phenomenal man that Mr. Brown must have been. May the memories and essence of Mr. Brown continue to comfort you all.
Sincerely,
Ashley Bowling