John Francis Brown, Jr.

John Francis Brown, Jr. age 79 of Danvers, Massachusetts formerly of Wakefield, passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Florida on March 14, 2026. Born in Everett on October 1, 1946 , he was the cherished son of the late John F. and Mary (Sheehan) Brown. Raised in Wakefield, John graduated from Wakefield High School and Salem State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Sciences.

John was a proud United States Marine who honorably served in combat during the Vietnam War retiring with the rank of Sergeant. Recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1969, he married Shirely A. (Murrin ) Brown. They first made their home in Wakefield before settling in Stoneham where they raise their two beautiful daughters. John dedicated his career to the Wakefield Fire Department, retiring at the rank of Captain. In retirement he and Shirley moved to Danvers and also enjoyed spending time at their home in Cape Coral, Florida, a place dear to John’s heart (a.k.a. “His Happy Place”).

A man of many passions, John loved golfing, fishing, reading and watching sports. His love of music was lifelong inspired by his time in the drum and bugle corps where he played the trumpet. A love and passion he carried throughout his life. He cherished quiet Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee and the paper. He especially loved catching up on local news reading the Wakefield Daily Item. John delighted in the company of his family especially in his role as “Grampy” to his adoring grandchildren. He was ever present in all their activities.

John lived a life marked by service and leadership, embodying these values both in the Marines and throughout his tenure with the Wakefield Fire Department. He will be remembered for his loving nature, quick wit, memorable laugh and steadfast leadership.

He was the beloved husband of Shirley A (Murrin) Brown of whom he shared 56 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Kelly Galligan, her husband Tom of Wakefield and Jennifer Bartley, her husband Kyle of East Kingston, NH. John is survived by his grandchildren, John and Bridget Glendye, Kyle Bartley Jr, Emily (Galligan) Pizzo and her husband Jack, and Jack Galligan.

He was the brother of Mary Healey, Bobby Brown, Ellen Emerson and her late husband Roy, Debbie and Bob Murphy, Betty and Steve Cram, Jimmy and Justine Brown, and the late Patricia Holbrook and Kathleen LaCarbonara. Also survived by his in-laws Anita and Paul Dorsey, Bobby and Fran Murrin, and Barbara Murrin and her late husband Edward. John was predeceased by his in-laws, Edward and Bridget Murrin, Theresa and Edward O’Brien, Gladys and Irving Emmonds, Myra and Channing MacDonald, Daniel Murrin and Kay and Joe Connolly. In addition, John is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count.

His Funeral Service will be held in the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Tuesday, March 24 at 11 am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, March 23 from 4-7pm. Interment, Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.