I was born in Providence, Rhode Island on November, 27th 1934. I was the only son of Harold and Rita Brown (nee) Smith. Born during the recession recovery period, things were rough for my parents. My father worked two jobs. My mother raised me until she was diagnosed with MS and my aunt moved in with us to help. My first home was in Lakewood, RI in a home built by my uncle and my father. When I was six, we moved in with my father’s mother who was in her last days. That home was in Riverside, RI, where I spent the rest of my early years until I went to college. They were fantastic years, playing in the woods, ice skating, working on a farm tending to horses, cows, pigs and haying. I graduated from East Providence High with honors, and went off to the University of Rhode Island. I graduated with a BSEE. I started employment with Bell Laboratories in Holmdel after college. Later I received an MSEE from Steven’s Institute of Technology and a MS in Executive Management (mba). I moved through the management ranks to become a department head. It was not work but fun and intellectually challenging. They were great years. After 20 years I transferred to AT&T, Basking Ridge, NJ. After 30 fantastic, fun filled years, I retired early as the Bell System was being dismantled. We retired to Oxnard, California where we continued to progress in ballroom dancing. I took up sailing and participated in two Newport- Ensenarta, Mexico races. For 50 years I enjoyed skiing (western area) and tennis. With an RV, Pat and I toured the western states and made 3 cross country trips, the third to return home to be near family. We built a home in the Poconos and took up landscaping. Finally we retired to a senior community in Manchester, NJ.
I leave behind my loving and devoted wife of 35 wonderful years Patricia, my daughter; Cathleen, and my son; Douglas. My step children Jimmy, Daniel and Patricia whom I loved as my own. Ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
I considered myself lucky to have lived in America’s golden years, living out a dream. Enjoying my life “My Way” where I adopted Frank Sinatra’s song as my guide in life. I will always be eternally grateful to Pat and her family for showing me how to love and enjoy family. Arrangements were under the direction of the Jacqueline M. Ryan Home for Funerals 233 Carr Ave. Keansburg. Cremation will be private.
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