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BORN
10/16/1925
DIED
10/20/2010
Edward Brown Obituary
Seaman First Class Edward J. Brown, of Santa Maria, died peacefully in his home on the morning of October 20, 2010, he was eighty-five years of age.
Born October 16th, 1925 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to George M. and Lucy Mulligan Brown, Edward was the third of seven children. He was a 1944 graduate of Cathedral High School and enlisted in the United States Navy at seventeen years of age. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, receiving the Victory Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart. A resident of Santa Maria since 2001, "Big Ed" Brown was well known to many in the community as one of only 316 survivors of the worst Naval Disaster in U.S. history, the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis on July 30, 1945. A popular speaker with a number of the civic organizations around the Central Coast, Big Ed Brown was well regarded by many.
Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents; Brothers James and Robert; Sisters Mary Lou and Jeanne and wife Sandra.
He is survived by two brothers, Thomas R. Brown, MD of Palos Verdes, CA, and Daniel M. Brown of Corona del Mar, CA.; and also by his five children; Edward J, II, 52 of Henderson, Nevada; Brigit, 51 of Phippsburg, Maine; Steven, 49 of Falmouth, Massachusetts; Lucy, 48 of West Dover, Vermont and Timothy, 46 of Santa Maria, CA. He was also the beloved grandfather to: Kelsey, Arthur J., Tara, Cameron, Collin, Chloe Jack and Michael.
A memorial service will be held on Friday November 12th at Noon at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church in Santa Maria. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers that interested parties forward donations to Big Ed's favorite cause the U.S.S. Indy / Gwinn "Angel" Scholarship fund at: The USS Indianapolis/Gwinn "Angel" Scholarship Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, 250 East Front Street, Suite 310, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Brown
5 Entries
Mike and Carol Kendrick
November 13, 2010
Tim and Yolanda,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish the good memories and good times you had with your dad.
Lucy Brown
November 9, 2010
My Dad taught me many things but the lesson I treasure the most is that he taught me to love life. He was always happy and friendly. He will live in my enthusiasm, my smile,and my heart forever.
November 9, 2010
I met Mr Brown through my friend, Jim Ventriglia....It was an honor to meet Big Ed...Iam humbled by the experience. I know he is in Heaven right now. What a Patriot....
admirer
November 8, 2010
God bless Mr Brown for his service to our country and the ordeal he had to survive in the south pacific. God gave him a purpose to live on in this world and it sound like he kept his end of the bargain. You should be very proud of this man!
Brigit Cavanagh
November 8, 2010
My Father was so very dear to me. He would call me and say "It is your Silver Haired Old Daddy of Mine ~SHODOM" He never complained (except about politics) and always had a kind word. He is missed sorely. I am grateful for all the years we shared and for his restful and eternal peace. God Bless you SHODOM.
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