David M. Brown

1948 - 2021

David M. Brown, 73, Bethel Park, a cherished husband, father, brother, friend, and storyteller extraordinaire, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at his home. An award-winning journalist who finished his three-decade career at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, David lent his deft touch to stories of civil rights struggles, presidential campaigns and the extraordinary moments of ordinary people's lives. He was gentle enough to earn their trust, honest enough to deserve it and strong enough to carry their stories into the light. David bore witness to history, and his writing brought us along with him. David spent more than 20 years researching the 1937 explosion of the London School in New London, Texas for his book, "Gone at 3:17: The Untold Story of the Worst School Disaster in American History." David helped many survivors break their lifelong silence about the tragedy, and their voices are now preserved in the Texas historical societies to whom he donated audio copies of his interviews. He published his second book, "The Road to Ruby Falls and Other Poems," in 2017. David was father to Mary Ina and Mark Brown, Anita Louise Brown and Chris Huber, and Dallas and Michelle Hallam; stepfather to Theodore Peter and Meridith Trunzo, Blair William Trunzo and Mackenzie Perri, and Danijel Perak; Papaw to Dorian Lee, Ava Kaori and Grant David Brown, Amelia Quinn Huber, and Walker and Wyatt Hallam; and Pap to Abigail Mary, Colin Michael and Aurelia Lucija. He is also survived by siblings, Mary (David) Turner and Charles (Susan) Brown, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary; father, Nolan; mother, Doris (Baker); brothers, Nolan Jr. and Mike; sister, Anita Louise Brown; as well as he and Mary's adored cat, Mr. Mia. A digital service for David will be held at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association and the World Literacy Foundation."A Goodbye Poem"By David M. BrownGoodbye doesn't have to be a bad wordThough I've said it, and heard it said,Under some bad circumstances.Usually it's just a polite parting,But it can also mean something's over-Jobs, journeys, ill-fated romances.As often as not it's left unsaidAt the bitter end of breakups,Endings without one word moreWhen the finish is punctuatedWith shrugs or a slammed door.Never said goodbyes say it all;Sometimes when it's over, it's over,Despite a nagging lack of closure.And yet, goodbye can have meaningThat transcends ordinary words.It can break your heard, make you cry,Or like the piece that makes a puzzle whole,It can seal a wound and soothe the soul.My mother, on a hospital gurneyAbout to be wheeled to surgeryThat doctors grimly prognosticatedWould either save or end her life,Gazed up at her five grown childrenAs we gathered round, blessed usWith a smile to keep in our hearts,And softly said: "Well, bye y'all."Grace under pressure in saying goodbyeEven as she prepared, as happened, to die.I've whispered goodbyeTo loved ones in their coffins.Seems I've said it a million timesIn a million different ways,Though I haven't calculated yetAn eloquent way to say itWhen it's time to make a final exit.I probably could do no better,If I'm granted the libertyFor one last commentAnd fetch the courage not to bawl,Than to borrow her wordsAnd simply say, Well, bye y'all.Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.