Richard J. Brown

Staten Island native; 'a good neighbor and a friend to all' Richard J. Brown, 76, of Forked River, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at home with his wife. Born in 1945 to the late Gilbert and June Brown in Staten Island, New York. Richard graduated from McKee High School in Staten Island and began his career as a plumber. He worked at Caddell's Shipyard for a time before ending his working career with the Department of Transportation's Staten Island Ferry in St. George, where he worked for 15 years. Richard retired to New Jersey 17 years ago. His first love was classic cars, especially his prized 1979 El Camino, better known as "the Duke". His second love was bass fishing on Keen Lake in Pennsylvania. Richard was a member of the Sentimental Cruisers Car Club, in Forked River, a parishioner of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, in Waretown, a good neighbor and a friend to all. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and give advice on anything relating to cars or fishing. Besides his parents, Richard is predeceased by his beloved step-son, Robert J. Dertinger. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Brown, his sister, Valarie (Brown) Kochovos and her husband, Nick, his nephew, Danny, his niece and god-daughter, Melissa, his dear friend and brother-in-law, John Fernandez, his children, Richard John, Dana, Jennifer and Dennis, "his girls" - granddaughters Sabrina, Alexandra and Juliana - and, never to be forgotten, his baby boy Enzo and crazy Eddie - the greatest dogs. A viewing will be held at Layton's Home For Funerals in Forked River, New Jersey on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 2-6pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Waretown on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Deborah Hospital Foundation or St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. To leave condolences or find directions, please visit https://www.laytonshomeforfunerals.com Layton's Home For Funerals 250 West Lacey Road Forked River, NJ 08731 (609) 971-6800