Howard Vern Brown

Howard Vern Brown, 87, of New Brighton (North Sewickley Twp.) passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024.  He was born on April 29, 1936, to Herbert and Stella Brown.  While his first name is Howard, most people knew him as Vern. 

 Vern served his Country in the US Army from May 1957 to May 1959.  Eighteen months of that time he was stationed in Germany.  After serving in the military, he returned to work at McDanel Refractories as a machinist and later supervisor of the machine shop.

 Vern was a 1954 graduate of Beaver Falls High School.  He was an active member on the Class Reunion Committee.  Vern attended Penn State, Beaver Campus for 2 years where he received an associate degree.  Vern was past President of the Beaver County Management Club.  

 Vern faithfully attended Concord Methodist Church where he served on various committees and was an usher for over 60 years.

 Vern loved sports and coaching his kids.  He coached Farm League, Little League, Pony League and Legion.  He was the first manager of the Riverside Legion Team.  He was passionate about youth sports.  He was part of the crew that built Bradshaw Park and was the 2nd President of the Northeastern Athletic Association (now RBF) and served in that role for 3 years.  After his sons went off to college, Vern played softball for Concord United Methodist Church where he was an outstanding pitcher. 

 Vern is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Shirley Brown.  They loved to travel and watch their children and grandchildren play sports.  They were avid fans of the Pirates and Steelers. 

He is also survived by one brother, Herbert (Jean) Brown and a sister, Estelle “Toots” Measel, two sons Richard (Cathy) Brown of Canton, OH, James (Terri) Brown of McKinney, TX, eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death besides his parents were four sisters: Flora Shaw, Anna Zahn, Eva Cusick and Naomi Elsbury.  Also preceding him were four brothers: Bill Brown, Ken Brown, Jack Brown and Harold “Pete” Brown. 

 Friends will be received Wednesday 3 PM to 6PM in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801-4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.  Additional visitation will be held Thursday from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM in the Concord Church, A Global Methodist Congregation, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. His pastor Rev. Chris Kindle will officiate.

Members of the Veteran’s Honor Guard will meet at the funeral home on Wednesday at 3 PM to provide full military honors

Interment will follow in the Concord Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Three Oaks Hospice for all of their special care for Vern.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Concord Church Memorial Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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