Published in the November 4, 2016 edition

Edward-Brown-obit-11-4-16-webMELROSE — Edward F. Brown, 90 a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Edward Brown was born in Somerville on Jan. 18, 1926, and was one of three children of the late Arthur L. and Mary F. (Harrington) Brown. Raised in Medford and Watertown, he served in the United States Navy during World War II before graduating from Watertown High School. After an honorable discharge, he studied Finance at Bentley College and received his bachelor’s and MBA in Business Administration from Northeastern University. With a sharp and analytical mind, Ed worked in financial management during his 40 year working career. He was the business manager for the Cancer Research Institute at New England Deaconess Hospital for 20 years and then served as CFO of the Joslin Diabetes Center for another 20 years.

On July 5, 1975, Ed married Katie L. Spradley and they enjoyed 38 years together of loving devotion, friendship and adventure. They resided in Melrose but traveled frequently throughout the country and across the world. Ed was known for his love of the ocean, the beach and swimming. For a period of time, he also enjoyed flying as a licensed pilot over the New Hampshire Lakes region and boating with Katie on Lake Winnipesaukee.

In his free time, Ed loved watching Boston sports, especially the Patriots. In his younger days with his sons in Everett, Ed helped organize and served as manager for the Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps. Most of all, Ed loved being outside and taking in the fresh air of the outdoors.

Edward was the beloved husband of Katie L. (Spradley) Brown, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Edward F. Brown Jr. and his wife Debbie of Tewksbury and Joseph N. Brown and his wife Lynne of Haverhill.  He was the dear brother of Joanne Brooks and her late husband Joseph of Waltham and the late Edna Stratton. Former husband of the late Gloria (Covino) Brown. Ed is also survived by several loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Ed’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Oct. 30, and again on Monday, Oct. 31 before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his Funeral Mass. Interment with U.S. Navy honors at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.