JOSEPH I. BROWN

    Joseph Brown of Edgewater Park, New Jersey, passed away peacefully January 14, 2022 at the age of 91. 

    Joe was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA in the Port Richmond section of the city. He loved the “neighborhood” and life with his siblings and extended family. He often told stories of his adventures as a youth. According to his many funny stories, Joe was quite a handful as a young man. He is predeceased by his mother, Ellen Brown, his sister, Mary (Sr. Regina), brother, Gerald, and his beloved aunt and uncle, Frank and Jenny.

    After graduating from North Catholic High School, Joe enlisted in the military where he served for 22 years. While in the Air Force, he established the training divisions at McGuire AFB and Lajes AFB in the Azores, both of which are in operation to this day. Here he found his niche in education and refined his skills as a teacher and trainer of human relations. He received two Air Force Commendation medals for his work in establishing training programs.

    Joseph also began to further his education, earning his BA from the University of Nebraska, a master’s degree from Goddard College and a doctorate degree from the Graduate Institute of Theology at South Bend, Indiana, an extension of Notre Dame.  

    After retiring from the military, he began a second career in the federal government as a Labor Relations Officer in Philadelphia, PA. The job offered him the opportunity to conduct training courses in several states, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He developed close friendships with co-workers in his department who remained in touch with him for years after he retired. During this season in Joe’s life, he also worked as an adjunct professor at Atlantic City Community College, St. Joseph’s University, and Villa Nova, which he continued through many of his retirement years.

    By far, the best thing to happen to Joe was meeting and marrying his wife of 69 nine years, Elizabeth (Betty). Together they had one child, Elizabeth (Beth) Hartman.  Betty supported Joe as he furthered his education and she “kept the ship afloat” during the times he was away. As Joe aged and his needs increased, she dedicated herself to his care- that included making many, many cups of hot tea. Anyone who knew him, also knew of “Elizabeth.”

    Joe had varied activities that brought him pleasure. He was a voracious reader, who had a deep knowledge of history. For many years of his life, he played golf. He enjoyed being with the guys in his league as much as he enjoyed the game. Several of the men in the Perkins League were life-long friends. Surprisingly, he took up stained glass in his sixties and made many beautiful pieces. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, as well as a 50-year member of the Elks. 

    Joe’s Catholic faith played a significant role in his life. He was a member of Corpus Christie before joining the Parish Community of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  He faithfully attended mass in this parish for 38 years. He also faithfully supported the church's bake sales. No one loved a bake sale more than Joe. He could be counted on to place an order for a jelly roll and one of Terry’s Jewish apple cakes, which was often hand delivered by JoAnn. 

    Joseph is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Beth and her husband, Rob Hartman; sister-in-law, Joyce Winkelman; brother, Richard Brown and his children, Patrick, Jeffrey (Jenine), Jennifer Burtulato (John),  Eugene; and, great nieces, Morgan, Angela and Gina.   

    Visitation and funeral services will be held on January 20, 2022 at Jesus, the Good Shepherd, 805 Warren Street, Beverly, NJ. Visitation is from 10:00-11:00, followed by the funeral mass. Details regarding internment are forth-coming.

    In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joseph’s memory to the charity of your choice.   

    Joseph will be sorely missed by his family and friends. We are grateful for the many joyful memories he left with us. We will hold them dear.

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