Richard Brown Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard "Rick" M. Brown, 80, an honest, loving, kind, and thoughtful husband, father, brother, and friend. He passed listening to his favorite music while surrounded by family on January 11, 2026 after a short battle with brain cancer.

Rick was born on February 13, 1945, in Washington, DC. Rockville, MD is where he called home for six decades, first growing up with his parents and siblings, and then building a family with his wife and children. Time was well spent with family and friends creating cherished memories. In 2005, he and his wife moved to Spring Hill, Florida, where he lived until his passing.

Rick's core values of integrity, honesty, and loyalty served to guide him well. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve where he served for 5 years. He went on to have a 35 year career with General Motors at both Paul Brothers Oldsmobile and Chevy Chase Cars as an auto mechanic and shop foreman. It was a profession that suited his patience, attention to detail, quality workmanship and problem-solving abilities. During his career he invested his time and knowledge by mentoring other mechanics. He always made time and had a kind demeanor.

Outside of family and work, Rick loved trains, both real and model. While in Maryland during the 70's he had a model railroad room where he created a working layout. Many good times were spent there running trains. Then in Spring Hill he became part of a few model railroad clubs. In addition to the enjoyment he had helping to create beautiful landscapes and running trains he met a great group of men who became true friends. He also enjoyed old cars, his favorite being a '57 Chevy. There were fond memories of going to the drag races and tinkering with old cars.

Rick was also a fan of food. He was most complimentary of and thankful for his wife's cooking. We all know his enjoyment of KFC, McDonald's, Old Bay Steamed Shrimp, and Anchor Inn's Old Bay Fisherman's Platter (something we recreated for his 76th birthday to his absolute delight).

Perhaps above all, he was extremely fond of music. He owned several high-end sound systems and was proud to play his favorite tunes, sometimes a bit louder than his wife preferred. How many times did you hear…"turn that down" both at home and in the car? He would jam out to the Oldies and a few hits from the 70's and 80's. We recently discovered that Journey's Don't Stop Believin' was one of his favorites and very apropos.

His family and friends were most important to him. He lived to make his wife happy. His attention to detail may have slowed down the completion of his "honey do" list but you knew each task would be done correctly. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. Something as simple as running an errand for a neighbor or building a float for the Breast Cancer Group. He always put forth his best.

He had a down-home sense of humor – with that little "Brown" grin and giggle, you couldn't help but laugh along.

He was also a great listener, never letting the ramblings of others pass by without notice. Just when you thought he may not be listening he'd ask a question to keep the conversation going. When asked for advice it was honest and thoughtfully given.

Holidays were important to Rick and a time to be spent with family and friends. I'm sure we all have a few favorite memories of these times. This past Thanksgiving was well enjoyed by Rick. There were all of his favorite holiday foods and he was surrounded by family.

Rick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Brown; his children, Suzanne Brown and Matthew Brown; and his sister, Denise Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Brown Sr. and Iola Brown, and his brothers, Gilbert Brown Jr. and Steven Brown Sr.

Services will be held in both Maryland and Florida to honor the different chapters of Rick's life.

A memorial service will take place at Lake Lindsey United Methodist Church, 22400 Lake Lindsey Rd, iBrooksville, FL 34601 on February 14, 2026, at 12pm. Then a celebration of life in Rockville will be held at The Manor at Silo Falls, 19501 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833 on March 21, 2026 from 11am – 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rick's memory to Wounded Warriors.

Rick – you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.