It is with immense sadness that the family announces the death of our father, Richard Owen Brown, 72. Richard died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, after a brief battle with colon cancer. In the days preceding his death, Richard was surrounded by his family and friends.

Born in Rockville Center, New York on April 19th, 1949, Richard was raised in Garden City. He worked summers at his father's car dealership, Harry Brown Pontiac, as an auto mechanic and parts man. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1967 and went on to serve in the United States Coast Guard as a Machinery Technician Third Class, U.S. Coast Guard from 1968 until 1972. He served an additional year as a Coast Guard Reserve before he was honorably discharged. Most notably during his time in the Coast Guard, Richard sailed the Arctic Circle on the USCGC 281 (Westwind). Passionate about law enforcement, Richard went on to serve the Annapolis Police Department for over a decade until an injury on the job left him unable to continue his duties and he retired from the force. His work ethic and desire to take care of his young family led him to explore many different career opportunities, even forming his own masonry business, ROB Masonry. His longest and most recent career was in sales in the building industry where he developed and maintained many long-standing relationships. Richard was employed by Zeskind's Millwork where he continued to service his customers until he became ill.

Richard had many various interests and hobbies. He learned to fly an airplane and maintained his private pilot license for several years; he enjoyed maintaining his marksmanship skills at the firing range; auto racing thrilled him and he spent time at F1 and Nascar races; he enjoyed exploring the countryside by motorcycle; and he was in constant pursuit of his lifelong passion, being on the water.

Richard shared his passion for being on the water with his family. He spent his childhood boating on the Long Island south shore and visiting Jones Beach State Park. His family vacationed on Longboat Key, Florida, a tradition he passed on to his children who endured many long hours driving from Maryland to our beloved family vacation spot. Luckily, Richard loved to drive, and he not only drove to Florida countless times, but he traveled the United States, family in tow, to various state and national parks, lighthouses, battlefields, and other historical sites.

In the last year of his life, much of Richard's time was spent traveling the East Coast with his wonderful friend and travel companion, Jackie Suddeth of Brandon, FL. They found such joy walking together on the beaches of Jekyll Island in one of their favorite adventures this year.

Richard was known for having a tough exterior, but he was a gentle, kind, and honest man. He was a trusted friend, a faithful brother, a wonderful father, and a loving grandfather, and he will be greatly missed by all those that loved him.

He leaves behind his loving children Catherine Newman (Robert) of Annapolis, MD; Megan Clark (James) of Annapolis, MD; Eileen Hammack (Brian) of Edgewater, MD; and Kelley Mitchell (Aaron) of Annapolis, MD.

One of the greatest joys in his life was spending time with his adored and adoring grandchildren. He leaves behind Lillian and Bradley Newman; Harper and Blake Hammack; Grace, Rory and Nora Cate Clark; and Emma and Desmond Mitchell.

Richard is also survived by a large extended family which includes his siblings James Brown of Salem, OR; Robert Brown (Garnet) of Brevard, NC; William Brown (Linda) of Birmingham, AL; and Thomas Brown (Anne) of Queens, NY plus numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lillian Brown, his wife of 42 years, Nora Brown, and his first wife Pamela Brown.

Family and friends are invited to gather together at the celebration of life to be held Monday, January 31, 2022 from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Severna Park Community Center, Boone Hall Station Building, 623 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146

A private burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard may be made to one of the following organizations:

Colorectal Cancer Alliance, https://www.ccalliance.org/

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, https://www.cgmahq.org/donate/memorial.html

Compass Regional Hospice, https://www.compassregionalhospice.org/donate/