Robert B. Brown

1927 - 2024

Robert B. Brown

Robert "Bob" Brown went to his Lord on April 29, 2024 surrounded by friends and family. Bob was born on December 30,1927 at Toledo Hospital to David and Crystal Brown. He grew up in Toledo. Bob attended DeVilbiss High School playing tennis, basketball, football, and track while also being a strong student. His senior year he attended Kiski preparatory school in Saltsburg Pennsylvania. At Kiski he played both football and tennis. Bob attended Princeton University graduating in 1950 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

His first job took him to upstate New York with International Salt Company. Bob's next position brought him back home to work with Owens Corning Fiberglass. While in Toledo he earned his MBA from the University of Toledo. Bob met his future wife, Sally Squire, at a social at the Toledo Tennis Club. They were married on October 24,1953 in Toledo at Epworth Methodist Church where they belonged over the course of their lifetime.

Bob held positions with Standard Oil of Ohio (SOHIO) that took him to Lima, Cleveland and Toledo. When asked to move to Alaska Bob decided to change jobs. Bob stayed in Toledo and began work for Rightmeyer Johnson & Associates. His entrepreneurial spirit began to emerge as he invested in the Dutch Boy Car Wash and Mr. Steak on Central Avenue. Bob bought into Fresh Products in 1980, becoming the sole owner of the company. Bob grew the company from a regional company to compete internationally. His vision helped to modernize the manufacturing process as well as increase sales. Doug Brown, his youngest son, is now running Fresh Products.

Bob loved all sports! He was a huge competitor playing numerous racket sports his entire life. His love of tennis was known throughout Toledo. Bob loved to travel. He and Sally participated in People to People, an ambassador program in which they played tennis around the world with those of different countries. Bob included his children and grandchildren in his love of travel inviting them to wonderful family vacations. He loved his family, drinking good wine, telling stories, and giving great toasts. Bob felt education was very important and encouraged all of his grandchildren in that regard. He was a lifelong learner making his own wine, participating in the Sun City Triathlon and enjoying the arts.

His success with Fresh Products translated into generosity in supporting the organizations about which he was most passionate. He was very generous to numerous charities around Toledo, the Toledo Community Foundation, Hillsdale College, Kiski and Princeton University.

Bob and Sally funded the gymnasium at Epworth in honor of his parents, Dave and Crystal Brown.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sally in 2009. Survivors include daughter, Sarah Goldman (Jim) of Cincinnati; sons, Rob (Karen) of Rembert, SC and Doug (Lisa) of Toledo. 10 grandchildren, Emily, Cody (Emily), Cameron (Katie), Grace (Evan), Harrison (Stephanie), Jared (Emma), Peter (Rachel), Betsy (Mark), Anna and Sam and 1 great grandson, Henry.

Friends will be received on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 3-7:30 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 Central Avenue, Toledo, OH 43615. The family requests that any gifts in his memory be made to either the Toledo Tennis Club, or The Toledo Community Foundation. Online condolences to the family may be made at walkerfuneralhomes.com.