Frederick William Brown

Frederick William Brown, 78, of Jamestown passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, Fred shared 55 loving years with his wife, Linda (Daum) Brown, whom he met while both were students at the University of Rhode Island.

Born February 7, 1948, in Newport, Fred attended Rogers High School, earned his degree from URI, and later pursued graduate studies in English at Miami University of Ohio.

A gifted tennis player, he was a member of URI's championship tennis team of 1970 and went on to coach professionally. He continued to play competitively for many years and became a formidable paddle player as well, meeting his opponents with focus and good humor.

Fred was the Building Official for the Town of Jamestown for 25 years, where he approached the job with quiet authority. He was respected for his knowledge and diplomacy and helped numerous Jamestowners negotiate "the code". A skilled carpenter, Fred could build nearly anything; most proudly, he helped construct the beautiful family home on Antham Street from the ground up.

Fred's heart belonged to Narragansett Bay. An enthusiastic fisherman and longtime member of the Jamestown Striper Club, he relished early mornings on the water and his secret clamming spots. His family enjoyed countless meals of the fruits of his labor.

He had a deep appreciation of music and literature. A prolific reader, he visited the library several times a week to replenish his stack of books and was a crossword expert who timed his completion of the NY Times puzzle daily. Fred also volunteered as a Director of the Jamestown Historical Society from 2017 to 2023, serving the town he loved.

A cool cucumber who moved through life with steady calm, Fred welcomed his daughters and their families to Jamestown for extended visits each summer, filling the house with chaos and love. His wide circle of lifelong friends will remember his commanding presence and generous spirit, loyal to those he loved.

Along with his beloved wife Linda, he leaves his daughters, Lexi Brown and her husband, Brian Wills, of Los Angeles, Sarah Brown and her husband Ruairi O'Gorman of Ireland; and his treasured grandchildren Zola, Wilder, Iris, and Miles. He is also survived by his siblings Jane Roach of Newport, Mary Sinnott of Middletown, Stanley Brown of Portsmouth, and Christine Pimentel of Portsmouth and their spouses, sister-in-law Trisha Brown of Florida and many dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Jeanne Brown, and his brother Robert Brown.

The family will hold a celebration of Fred's life in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's memory may be made to the Jamestown Historical Society or Friends of the Jamestown Philomenian Library.