Reverend Monsignor Robert L. Brown

Chancellor, Diocese of Norwich February 12, 1943 - November 4, 2017 Reverend Monsignor Robert L. Brown, beloved Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, was called to eternal rest with the Lord, Saturday, November 4, 2017. Monsignor Brown had faithfully served the Diocese of Norwich first as Assistant Chancellor and then Chancellor for 41 years. Ordained May 3, 1969 by the Most Reverend Vincent J. Hines, Bishop of Norwich, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, CT, he would be appointed a Prelate of Honor by Pope Saint John Paul II with the title of Monsignor in March 1992. Monsignor Brown was born in Middletown, CT, February 12, 1943, the son of the late Mrs. Elsie (Ferrigno) Brown and the late James Marshall Brown. A graduate of East Hampton High School, he studied for the priesthood at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and St. Bernard Seminary in Rochester, NY, where he earned a Master of Divinity Degree. Monsignor will be remembered fondly for his tireless dedication to ministering hope and God's love to all who were fortunate to know him. To know him was to appreciate his deep faith often expressed in his favorite expression "We live in hope." It was this belief that helped him lift so many lives. He radiated hope. He lived and shared the patient belief that hope gives us the confidence in God's ultimate triumph and love which can never be shaken. Monsignor Brown was a gifted priest who has left a remarkable legacy of caring, especially for the most vulnerable. Among Monsignor's first assignments as a priest prior to his service in the Chancellor's office, was as Associate Pastor at St. John Church, Old Saybrook, Sacred Heart Church in Norwichtown and St. John in Fitchville. He also served at St. Joseph Church in New London. Over his years of service as Chancellor, he was appointed to numerous Boards in service to the Diocese and the community at large. Among these leadership positions were a seat on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Catholic Conference, the Board for State Academic Awards, St. Bernard School Board of Trustees, Director for Pro-Life Activities, Knights of Columbus Chaplaincy, Chair of the Campaign for Human Development, Director of Catholic Relief Services and oversight of twelve diocesan ministry directors. While assigned to St. Joseph Church in New London, Monsignor Brown helped found the Interfaith Hospital Chaplaincy at L & M Hospital and was active in the American Cancer Society. In April 1988, Colonel Lester J. Forst, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police, appointed Monsignor Brown a Connecticut State Police Chaplain. In addition, Monsignor Brown was Chaplain for the Law Enforcement Council which serves 22 police departments across Connecticut. His many appointments, participation in vital ministries and annual tribute events honoring those who serve as firefighters, EMS first responders, law enforcement at all levels, military servicemen and women, medical personnel, educators, the disabled and the growing Hispanic Ministry speak to his remarkable dedication and capacity to serve others of all faiths. His breadth of service and outreach is beyond exceptional. He will be deeply and widely missed across the diocese and the communities it serves. In prayerful remembrance, Bishop Michael R. Cote shared, "We pray for Monsignor's swift journey into the peace and light of God the Father. We are extremely grateful for the time we spent together on the earthly leg of his journey." Monsignor Brown is survived by a sister, Mrs. Maryann Olzacki, a niece and three nephews, numerous cousins, especially Mrs. Johann Pardi, Mrs. Lenora Bear, Mrs. Kathleen Ancalone, Mrs. Frances Samuelson, Mr. Richard Lanzi, Mrs. Marilyn Lanzi, Mrs. Barbara Kiley, extended family and friends, Bishop Michael R. Cote and his brother priests. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 10:00am in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT. The Vigil for the Deceased with Reception at the Church will take place on Friday, November 10, 2017, at 5:30pm in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT, to be followed by a wake in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick until 9:00pm In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, c/o The Chancery, 201 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.