Joseph Michael “Joe” Brown, Jr.
August 23, 1944 - November 22, 2019
Joseph Michael “Joe” Brown, Jr., age 75, of Elkton, MD, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019.
Born in Bradford, PA on August 23, 1944, he was the eldest son of the late Joseph Michael Sr. and Mary (Bragg) Brown. He was a kind-hearted, generous, and loving man who will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. Joe dedicated his career as a school teacher to Elkton Middle school, retiring in 2002 after 34 years of service. During his tenure he taught 6th through 8th grade social studies. For the last 5 years of his employment, he was Cecil County Schools’ computer support specialist. After retirement he was a mentor to Cecil County teachers for 5 years. Joe was the Past President of Cecil County Teachers credit union and actively supported the Cecil County Teachers Association. In the years before moving to Elkton, he was active in the Rising Sun Lions Club. In his spare time he loved playing duplicate bridge and traveling to tournaments. He also enjoyed travelling to his favorite places with his wife, especially along the coast of Maine and in the Canadian Maritime provinces.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his siblings, Carol Mosenson and Thomas Brown. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jean K. (Stearns) Brown; son, Steven Brown (Allyson) of Aiken, SC; step-sons, Richard Crary (Aimée Pohl) of Baltimore, MD and Michael Crary (Cindy) of Rockville, MD; and grandchildren, Jules, Brianna, Mirah, Adah, Isaac and Malcolm.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11 am on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will be held at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.
Tom George
Dear Jean,
My heart felt condolences. Joe was wonderful guy, a great bridge player with fine sense of humor. We will miss him greatly.
Tom George
Linda Rybinski
So so sorry for your sudden loss of a wonderful man who will be missed by his family and friends.
Paula Armstrong
Joe showed us all dignity and courage under duress. His pain and discomfort were with him over many years — yet he refused to quit living his life richly and fully with his beloved wife, Jean. Joe was a wonderful example of quiet strength and utter determination. He was a “winner” in every sense of the word.
Mitch Rosenwald
Hi Jean, Richard and Michael,
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Joe was a vibrant, smart, funny man who always had something kind to say. I am glad I had the chance to know him.
Mitch
LEON J TOMASZEWSKI
One of the best guys you could have ever met. R.I.P.
William Everitt
Jean, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember fondly the time we traveled to Bar Harbor with you & Joe. The many times we partnered with you & Joe at duplicate bridge tournaments are countless. The opportunities to play golf locally with Joe as well as Capon Springs & Farms are memorable. He was always a gentleman and I’ll miss his companionship & smile.
TerryAnn Scott
I will always be thankful for Mr. Brown! He was a great mentor and encouraged my love of learning! I love helping him in the computer lab! The world needs more teachers like him.
Herb Stiles
Joe was a gentle big man. Quietly competent in the conduct of his life. He was considerate and soft spoken, and had a very good way with his grandchildren. When he was at family gatherings, I sought him out for his friendly company. In fact, he must have been sought out by many over his long career in teaching and community. May his spirit abide among us still.
Jeanmarie Andrews
Jean, Stephen, and family: I just learned of Joey’s death. I am so sorry we lost him, and I join you in mourning a wonderful cousin and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Joey.
Love, Jeanmarie
Rebecca Proctor
Mr. Brown was one of my all time favorite teachers (1970’s). He was kind, funny, sensitive, fair, and really loved his school kids. He wanted all his kids to learn as well as have fun doing it. He would always tell us pollock jokes to break the monotony of every day have to do school work. Mr. Brown and I would always argue, and he would send me out of the room, then, a half hour later, he would come in the hall and get me with a smile on his face. He is one of a few teachers to understand me. He made an ever lasting positive impact in my life. I have continued to share the stories throughout my life of my days in Mr. Brown’s class. It is so sad for the kids today, who will never have the chance to experience Mr. Brown’s classroom and teaching. Thank You Mr. Brown for everything. You will never be forgotten, only missed. God Bless Your Family