Donald L. Brown

WORCESTER - Donald L. Brown, 89, passed away on April 2nd in his home. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Francis and Anita Brown. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Diane Cooke Brown; his children, Darrin C. Brown of Woodstock, CT., Dan C. Brown, his wife Laura A. Martin, and (Don’s grandson) Ray Brown of Walpole, MA; Don was the devoted brother of John Brown of Yarmouth Port, MA. His older brother, Franny, predeceased him. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Don grew up in Worcester and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, where he played basketball and baseball. He served in the army as a medic during the Korean War. He married Diane, who grew up only a few houses away from him, in 1962. Don and Diane settled in the same neighborhood they had both grown up in, and raised their family there. Don worked for the New England Telephone Company for thirty-five years, retiring in 1992.

Don will be remembered as a kind, intelligent, loyal, and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. In the 1970s, he enjoyed playing semi-fast softball, pitching for his Telephone Company team. He also liked candlepin bowling and played in a league on Thursday evenings. He became an avid runner (along with Diane) in the 1970’s and 80’s, running in dozens of 10k road races around Massachusetts as a member of the Central Mass. Striders. After he retired, Don took up golf and fell in love with the game. He played many rounds with his sons and enjoyed playing with his fellow Telephone Company retirees at Pakachoag golf course in Auburn. From a young age until his passing, he had a passion for cars of all eras.

His family will miss him for his guidance, devotion, and inquisitive nature. He was “hands-on” in taking care of household needs, spending countless hours doing yardwork, and performing repairs to the house. His sons and grandson will never forget all the time he spent with them. He was a mostly soft-spoken man, who led – and taught most of his lessons – by example.

A private funeral service for Don will be held for family and relatives at the Miles Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abby’s House, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609 (abbyshouse.org). To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit our "Tribute Wall".