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Oliver Brown Obituary
He was born Dec. 4, 1985, in Sayre, a son of Robert A. Brown and Susan Grzenda Brown-Orchard.
Oliver served in the Pennsylvania National Guard as private first class in the 109th Infantry, which was deployed to Iraq.
He enjoyed baseball, hunting, traveling, computers and photography. He also loved spending time with his family and friends and making them smile.
Surviving are his father, Robert A. and his wife, Debra Brown, of Athens; his mother, Susan, and her husband, Joseph Orchard, of Athens; a sister, Amy Lyn Brown, of Athens; brothers, Kalen Orchard and Chris Kepner, both of Athens; a sister, Amy, and her husband, Frank Nero, of Ridgebury; paternal grandparents, Oliver J. and Marilyn Brown, of Athens; a maternal grandmother, Ann Grzenda, of Scranton; several maternal and paternal aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, and cousins; and the love of his life, Anna Covey.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Paul Grzenda and an uncle, William E. Brown.
Friends and family may call at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home Inc., 225 S. Main St., Athens. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Athens Area High School, Frederick Street, Athens, by the Rev. James Donahoo and the Rev. David Larson co-officiating. Military Chaplain Farrell will participate, and full military honors will be accorded.
A horse-drawn caisson will carry Oliver to his burial, which will take place in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Oliver Brown Memorial Fund, c/o Guthrie Federal Credit Union, 104 N. Elmer Ave., Sayre, PA 18840. Gifts will go towards the erection of a memorial dedicated to all those from the Valley who served their country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 13, 2013
Still remembered, respected and honored. Oliver willing to make a sacrifice for our country at such a young age; we will always be in gratitude to him.
April 5, 2013
PFC Brown your dedication to the unit will always be remembered. I remember the the good and bad days like it was yesterday
MAJ Meadors, Lexington ky
Peggy Childers
September 28, 2011
To the family and friends of Pfc. Oliver J. Brown:
Please accept my remembrance of Oliver on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
September 28, 2010
To the family and friends of Pfc. Oliver J. Brown:
Remembering Oliver on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
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Peggy Childers
September 28, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Oliver J. Brown:
Oliver gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
May 29, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Ingrid Dewese
May 26, 2009
My deepest sorrow goes out to this family. He was too young to be taken from them. My prayers goes out to his parents.
In Memory of Oliver ~ (Debra Estep)
September 28, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Oliver, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
the Buck family
July 5, 2008
To the family and friends of Pfc. Oliver J. Brown, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family.
Rob Johnson
June 16, 2008
We miss you and think of you everyday. You are the best friend my son ever had. As you and he signed in to the army together and were stationed in Iraq together. You are Brandon's hero. His 15 month son is named Oliver after you. We consider you our son, too. You have done us proud. We still tear when your name is mentioned and at each holiday that passes.
Thank you for serving our country and giving us freedom.
I know you are standing guard at heavens door, where we will again meet.
Rob and Lisa Johnson
May 9, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Brown!
c yoder
May 6, 2008
Our Fallen Heroes will never be forgotten
Cherylann Lane
March 9, 2008
With deepest sympathy for your terrible loss. Everyone at Operation Jersey Cares feels your pain. We love and support our troops. Oliver may be gone but not forgotten!
Jenn Wells
January 31, 2008
Oliver, You were the best neighbor to grow up by..RIP We all miss you...
August 17, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 23, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Brown and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Jacquie Skadeland
June 25, 2007
Brave soldier, you are not forgotten. Thankyou for your SACRIFICE Jacquie Skadeland
Amy Brown
March 27, 2007
Brother, I miss you...
Jacquie Skadeland
October 22, 2006
There are no words that can heal your pain, I lost a son and I can only say, that I feel your sadness, Oliver looked like a lovely person. He was/is a true HERO.. Sincerly, Jacquie Skadeland Elverson PA
October 22, 2006
To the Family of Pfc. Oliver J. Brown:
Your son's name, along with our sons, is forever together on a Memorial standing at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA. Their dogtags hang together forever moving with the wind creating a subtle sound, like the quiet whispers of the Fallen as they continue to speak to us. Attending this Memorial Dedication and hearing your child's name being read along with ours, has prompted me to sign this soldier's guestbook.
If your child can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 as well and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for right now. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten . You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 10, 2006
To the Brown family: I previously signed Oliver's guest book. Oliver it has been a year since you were taken. You are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I continue to think and pray for each of you. From the most inner part of my heart I am so sorry he was taken from you.
Garnet Jenkins
September 28, 2006
Remembering Pfc. Oliver J. Brown, with a Multitude of
Thanks for his Service. Courage and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom.
May Oliver rest in God's Loving Care and know that he will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Grace and Comfort, continue to be with the Brown family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA~1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Ken Poorman
June 20, 2006
May God Bless PFC Oliver J. Brown and his family; and give his loved ones strength and peace in their grief for this brave young man.
Linda Flannery
June 11, 2006
I did not know Pfc Brown, but I wanted to take a few moments and sign the guestbook as a sign of love and respect for such a brave young man.
I have 2 sons who are Marines, did tours of duty, and am a widow of a VietNam Army Ranger.
May God grant you comfort in your memories of your beloved Oliver.
ROBYN GARSIDE
June 4, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith
January 8, 2006
Susan:
I was so touched by the comments your children made about you. l want you to know that I continue to pray every day for each of you and I touch Oliver's picture each day and thank him. Many days it is difficult as I look into his eyes (and others from PA) and I cry for the loss of this fine young man. My tears do not compare to your family's, but I want you to know that I do care and again from the most inner part of my heart I send each of you a hug.
Tom
Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith
December 15, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy to the Brown family in the loss of your dear son/brother and hero Oliver. I did not know your son, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 50 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
I send each of you a hug from my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Barb Orchard-Carr
November 13, 2005
Sue,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Oliver and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. When there are no words to soften the pain, may your spirit be touched by the love that surrounds you and slowly the healing begin.
christine Kesel
November 7, 2005
I will always be greatful and be in awe at those that give themself to save us. So in my ever prayers of in mind know u were loved and will always be loved!!!!
Grzenda Family
October 15, 2005
Susan
All should know....
You are so strong and courageous.
We all know Oliver was one of the luckiest guys in the world to have you as his mon.
Love from your brothers and sisters,
Grandma (Mom), Paul, Linda, Sharon, Bill, Michele, and David
Bobbi Ziegler
October 14, 2005
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. You can be very proud of your son. I know words don't help with the pain of your loss. May God be with you all.
Bobbi Ziegler
Mother of a Marine serving in Iraq
Reg Dawson
October 12, 2005
I would just simply like to say Thank You to Spc. Oliver J. Brown for serving his country. As a vet I'm extremely proud of him and all his fallen brothers. Take the time to hug your loved ones for our time here on Earth is much much too short. HOOOORAH !!!!
Karen Bolyard
October 10, 2005
With our son currently serving in Mosul, Iraq, we are constantly reminded of all the Fallen Warriors and thier families. Our deepest sympathy and sorrows are with you and your family. Oliver will forever be in our hearts and his family will forever be in our Prayers, for Oliver was truley a hero.
PV2 McClintic
October 9, 2005
My Prayers are with you. Each day here in Iraq I think of all of my brothers and sisters in Uniform who have paid the high price of freedom. May they never be forgotten. May God be with through this most difficult time.
Susan
October 8, 2005
Thank you brave soldier for your selfless sacrifice for the freedom of others. I am profoundly humbled and deeply grateful for your service to our country. May God bless your loved ones and bring them peace.
Leola Gould
October 8, 2005
My heart goes out to your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you find comfort in the support of others. May Oliver rest in peace and be cared for by angels.
I am originally from Bradford County and my daughter is serving in Iraq with the 3rd ID. This military family sends our love and support to yours.
Take care and may God bless and comfort you,
Jamie Graves
October 5, 2005
Land of the free~ Because of the brave~ God Bless( Jamie,Navy wife)
fred bracken
October 5, 2005
oliver on behalf of all Canadians, i would like to thank you for your sacrifice. today i shed tears for you oliver.
Melissa
October 4, 2005
Rest in Peace PFC Brown
bubbles soap
October 4, 2005
sorry for what happend
There are really No words that can make youo feel better but i know how it feels to lose a loved one in war.
MIKE TANNER
October 4, 2005
I WAS HONORED TO HAVE SERVED IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND SAW A LOT OF GOOD MEN, AND WOMEN DIE FOR THEIR COUNTRY. I WOULD LIKE TO WISH THE FAMILY OF PFC BROWN MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. HE IS GONE, BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Yolanda Valdez
October 3, 2005
Thank you.
Proud Marine Mom!
(LCpl Nicholas S. Perez - KIA 9/3/04 - Al Anbar Province, Iraq)
Tina Childers
October 3, 2005
Thank you for your service. God bless you and your family.
jennifer & scott
October 3, 2005
HOME OF THE FREE
THANKS TO THE BRAVE ~
God Bless the Brown family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Diane Adame
October 3, 2005
To the Family and Friends of Oliver Brown, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember your son and what he did for me, my family, and America. God bless you.
Diane Adame
San Antonio, Texas
Harold and Virginia Williams
October 2, 2005
May God bless you in a very special way, as He took a very special person from this world to be with Him. We thank God every day for men like your son who are willing to fight for our freedom and the freedom of oppressed nations. We know Oliver has made a difference in every life he has touched. God bless everyone in his family
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they
perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus,
our Lord and Savior. Amen.
“I’ll lend you for a little while
A child of mine,” He said.
“For you to love the while he lives
And mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or
Twenty two or three,
But will you ’til I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his days be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked this wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lane
I have selected you.
Now will you give all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?”
I fancy that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy this child shall bring,
The risk of grief we’ll run;
We’ll shelter him with tenderness,
We’ll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner then we’ve planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes.
And try to understand.” -Edgar Albert Guest
DIANE LARSEN
October 2, 2005
TO THE FAMILY OF OLIVER BROWN,
MAY HE LAY IN PEACE! AND MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY HE LEAVES BEHIND! DIANE
Margy BONS
October 1, 2005
I am sorry for your loss. There are no words of comfort except in knowing that your son is a hero. My deepest sympathy,
Margy Bons
A Proud Marine Mom of Sgt. Michael Marzano who gave the ultimate sacrifice 5/7/05. Now they are guarding Heaven's doors.
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