Iley Leon Brown

With one encounter, you knew you had met a very unique man; full of charm, fun, laughter and mischief, disguised as being seemingly quiet, and low-key. God peacefully stilled his child, on Sunday May 4, 2025, after a brief stay at Hartford Hospital.
The third son of the late Governor and Anna Brown, Iley's journey began in Hartford, CT on June 6, 1959. High School years commenced at Hartford Public, graduating from Windsor High School in 1977. When the family relocated to Windsor in the middle of the school year, the move created a stumbling block, as a class he needed for graduation was not being taught that semester at Windsor H.S. An example of his charisma; Iley convinced both schools to allow him to arrange his schedule so that he could take the class at HPHS traveling between the two schools, determined to graduate on schedule. Yes, he attended two high schools at the same time.
The Military was his trajectory, believing he would have a life career in the Airforce, longing to see the world! Trained in plumbing, Iley soon discovered the local town contracted with his base for plumbing services. The only 'world' he saw was Columbus MS. He took flight home after his tenue of six years. His greatest Military benefit from Mississippi was in meeting and later marrying the love of his life; Barbara.
One might think a family tradition following his father and two brothers; Iley was also employed by Hamilton Standard (Sunstrand), and in excess of twenty-five years. After being gravely stricken and hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2021, Iley chose to take early retirement.
Iley was a lifelong member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Hartford CT. On hiatus for several years, he eventually returned to his Spiritual foundation, often expressing how much he had enjoyed a Sunday sermon. Active as a teen in Youth Fellowship under the tutelage of Mrs. Mamie White, and the Youth Choir, Iley accepted roles in plays, participated in caroling at Christmas, competitive team fund raisers for Livingston College, bowling parties (an excellent bowler, taught by his Dad), serving Easter Sunrise Breakfast, and participating in the yearly spaghetti nights which were actually debates with parents. He loved to sing, not just in the choir, but also with his brothers, taking the tenor part. Iley acknowledged the lasting bonds of friendship which were created during those years.
A sports enthusiast, Iley loved football, basketball, and baseball. To all that knew him, there was no denying his love for his New England Patriots; sitting down with his daughter, watching games with his Patriot cup and slippers. He enjoyed watching HGTV although his family never saw him build anything!
In the summer time, Iley was outside in front of his grill/smoker, making his famous ribs dawned with homemade BBQ sauce. He often said to his daughter "this sauce should be bottled and sold at BBQ Competitions". As a DIVO, Iley never left home without being in coordinated attire. Each outfit would be completed with one of his seven pound watches, designer sneakers and custom made letterman jacket.
He had unmeasurable love for his wife and his daughter, whom he was so very proud of, but the true loves of his life were his three grandchildren; Jade, Karter and Giovanni. He claimed bragging rights, the first to feed his baby girl Jade when she was born. Jade had no regrets in losing a tooth, as "Popa" Tooth Fairy was sure to leave $40/$50 dollars under her pillow. Karter, his mini-me, was "Pop-Pop's" shadow. The barber shop was a standard date every two weeks. Pop-Pop made sure his mini-me had a tailored suit for every special occasion. His baby boy Giovanni would want the same book read over and over. Gio would flash a smile at the end of a story; to make his Pop-Pop read it again. Now if you saw any of his grandchildren away from home, they would be in the latest sneakers. Some were even special ordered with their names inscribed on them. Never was there a grandfather more willing to change diapers. The family joke; they were often put on backwards, prompting boisterous laughter. Iley lived for the day, and made sure to enjoy each moment of it.
He will always be remembered with love by his wife Barbara Brown-Brown, daughter Jazmine Ruotolo, son-in law Mark Ruotolo, his three precious jewels; Jade, Karter and Giovanni Ruotolo, a sister C. Ann Brown, brothers Andrew Brown, Michael (Dominique) Brown, his brother-in-law Reginald (Lisa) Henderson, nieces and nephew; Tiffanie, Shelby, Olivia, and Michael Miles Brown, his Mother-in- law Ruby Jean Bradley and Grandmother-in-law Dorothy Young (Calvin) of Chicago, Sister-in-laws Annie Jean Rhodes of Greenwood MS, Janice Benford of Jackson MS, Donna Bradley, and Gail Torres of Chicago, Brother-in laws Larry Brown, and John Bradley of Chicago, and a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Governor Brown, Father-in-law Albert Brown and a very special sister-in law, Carolyn Ann Brown.