Ronald T. Brown

Ronald Thomas “Ron” Brown was surrounded by loved ones when he passed on May 3, 2025, at the age of 83.

Raised in Philadelphia’s Mayfair neighborhood, Ron was the third of three children born to Hannah and Thomas Brown. He graduated from Lincoln High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps, where he picked up a lifelong disdain for drill sergeants, the prestigious ‘Rifle Expert’ award qualification (not, as he was quick to correct, Sharpshooter, which is, in fact, a lesser qualification), and an unwavering dedication to the code of Semper Fidelis. At the rank of Lance Corporal, he was honorably discharged after five years of service, though, as he would say, “once a Marine, always a Marine.” He embodied every characteristic of a Marine – strong, thoughtful, and caring, to name a few. He stood up for those who couldn’t stand for themselves and was a faithful advocate for peace.

Ron was a ray of light for all who knew him. A warmhearted, loving, and bright man, his dedication extended beyond the service. Ron and his wife, Joan, celebrated 60 years of marriage last November. The couple, native to Philadelphia, raised Sharon and Scott in the Somerton section of Philadelphia and then Churchville, Bucks County, PA before eventually retiring to Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Ron owned an Allstate insurance agency in Newtown, PA. In his office hung a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, a testament to his lifelong interest in American history. He spent most nights reading history books and was always eager to learn. His true career, though, was realized seasonally, during his annual portrayals of Santa Claus, and he proudly oversaw a rotating group of young family elves.

However, as is often the case with those capable of profound love and dedication, Ron’s youth and midlife were marked by loss. Cancer claimed the lives of his sister, brother, mother and aunt. Not without struggle, Ron shouldered the weight of those losses. In doing so, he forged a deep appreciation of mortality and the fleetingness of life. Ron never missed an opportunity to “look someone in the eyes and tell them he loves them.”

And love he did. Nearly all the table space in their house was occupied by pictures of friends and family. He dutifully played host to countless birthday parties, anniversaries, sleepovers, and camping excursions for his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Once his days of skydiving, downhill skiing, running the Philadelphia Marathon and tennis were ended by his bum hips, he spent countless hours patiently helping an unfocused, impatient, and often boisterous family of children learn the beauty and nuances of chess and golf. He enjoyed time in the Poconos and summer vacations in Ocean City, NJ, sunny walks with his grand-dog Percy, and the days teaching his grandchildren how to fish in the warm Florida waters.

His final week was perhaps the most emblematic of his character and general approach to life. Right up to the end, Ron cracked jokes and reminisced with loving friends and family who made their way through his hospital room to say goodbye. He rejected the notion that a cherished guest be denied a visit and always offered a hand for loved ones to hold while creating a warm space of joy, reminiscence and laughter.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Sharon (James) and Scott (Linda); six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; nieces and nephews; and many good and loving friends.

It is in the walks, the jokes, the “Semper Fis,” the smiling eyes, and genuine “I love yous” that he lives on.

It was Ron’s wish that no funeral service be held. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to one of his favorite charities, such as The Marine Corps League Foundation (https://www.mclfoundation.org/donations) or Fox Chase Cancer Center (https://secure3.convio.net/fccc/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30102a?idb=1521691904&df_id=1480&mfc_pref=T&1480.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=FB006BF972C23B7E8E357B5EDB96BF87&1480_donation=form1)

His family is grateful to the staff of Doylestown Hospital Hospice. They have tough jobs which they do superbly with skill, grace, and compassion. They were, and continue to be, a source of great comfort to his family.