Roy Gardner Brown

Roy Gardner Brown, a longtime resident of Burlington for 58 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born in Arlington, Roy was one of six children of Frank Raymond and Thelma Esther (Toussaint) Brown. He grew up in Arlington and graduated from Arlington Vocational High School in 1959 before earning degrees from Northeastern University and Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Roy began his career as a radio and television repairman before becoming a Manufacturing Engineer. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserves as an electronics technician for P2V Neptune aircraft. Between full-time positions, he held several other jobs, including limousine driver and gas station attendant at the Burlington Shell Station. He spent the last 17 years of his career with the MBTA as a repairman stationed at the Newton Barn, primarily servicing Green Line trains, until his retirement in 2010.

Roy possessed a brilliant mechanical mind and the skilled hands of a craftsman. There was virtually nothing he couldn't fix or build-cars, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and countless home projects. His workshop, filled with tools and spare parts, resembled a small hardware store. He built sheds, added a family room with garage to his home, and took pride in keeping cars running long past their expected lifespan. One of his favorite projects was maintaining his son's 1965 Malibu convertible while his son was serving in the military.

A devoted member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Burlington, Roy found deep faith and fellowship there alongside his wife, Mary. He supported the church quietly but faithfully through maintenance work-mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and fixing anything that needed repair. His practical contributions saved the church time and money and were deeply valued by all who knew him.

Roy's life centered on his family. He met his beloved wife, Mary Graziano, as a teenager in their youth group at St. John's Episcopal Church in Arlington. After five years of dating, they married in 1965 and settled in Burlington in 1967 to raise their family. Roy and Mary made a wonderful team-he placed her on a pedestal, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. Roy was a devoted father to their three children, encouraging their dreams, offering guidance, and infusing family life with warmth and humor.

An active volunteer, Roy served as Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 511 in Burlington and took great pride in his son's achievement of Eagle Scout and later his service as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and helicopter pilot. Roy cherished visiting him in Hawaii and even traveled aboard the USS Peleliu while his son was deployed. His daughters recall his constant presence and willingness to help-always ready with his toolbox or wise advice. Many of their friends thought of him as a second father.

Family road trips were among Roy's greatest joys. Starting with a tent trailer and later upgrading to a Prowler travel trailer, the Browns explored New England and as far south as Florida. Roy loved setting up camp, solving mechanical problems for fellow campers, and creating lifelong memories at places like Bailey's Campground, Acres of Wildlife, and Crown Point. He was happiest outdoors, surrounded by family and nature.

A lifelong motorcyclist, Roy rode a Honda Goldwing for decades before switching to a trike later in life. He was a proud member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association, enjoying rides with Mary and fellow enthusiasts. He especially valued the group's charity rides for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and memorable trips to Lake George and Nova Scotia.

Roy was a man of intellect, integrity, and faith-mechanically gifted, endlessly curious, and deeply devoted to those he loved. He lived life on his own terms, guided by kindness, hard work, and unwavering values. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Roy was the beloved husband of 60 years to Mary Eula (Graziano) Brown; the proud father of Michele Brown and her husband Kevin de la Sota of Chili, NY, Alissa Brown of Nashua, NH, and Dana Brown and his wife Sherri of Dover, NH; and the cherished grandfather of Caeley, Brayden, Maximo, and Niam. He was the brother of Paula Brown of Arlington, Cheryl Perry of Arlington, Wendy DiRico and her husband Rocco of Franklin, and the late Adrienne Johnson and Donna Brown. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Sunday, January 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. Funeral services will follow at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 10 Saint Mark's Road, Burlington, on Monday, January 19, at 11 a.m., with burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Reception at St. Mark's Church to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Roy's name to St. Mark's Church, 10 Saint Mark's Road, Burlington, MA 01803, or to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at www.curethekids.org.