Dr. Howard Brown

Howard Raymond Brown was born of the union of Muriel and Isaac Brown on September 23, 1932 in the Bronx, New York. His parents immigrated to the United States from Jamaica where they emphasized the importance of education and hard work to their children. Howard was the youngest of four sons. Howard attended The City College of New York where, in addition to pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, held the position of vice president of the Caduceus (Pre-med) society and, in his senior year, was voted vice president of the student council. He received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine graduating with the class of 1959. Upon completion of post-graduate training at Bellevue Hospital, Howard worked as a staff physician at Queens College and established a private practice specializing in internal medicine. In 1964, Dr. Brown joined the New York Times as a staff physician and became the newspaper's Assistant Medical Director in 1967. In 1972, Howard was appointed to the post of New York Times Medical Director; he retired from this position in 1997. In 1952, Howard met Gwendolyn Powell during his time at City College and they wed in 1958. Their union produced three children: Christopher, Clifford and Cathy. Gwendolyn died suddenly in 1987. Howard subsequently remarried, but the marriage ended in divorce. During his career, Howard was an active member of several professional societies, including the American Medical Association, The Medical Society of the State of New York, and the American College of Occupational Medicine. He also served in numerous teaching, leadership and professorial positions at New York University, Boston University, New York University Hospital and Bellevue Hospital. In 1998, Howard retired to Williamsburg, Virginia where he enjoyed hosting visitors, honing computer technology skills, and forming new meaningful friendships. Howard departed this life quietly on August 25, 2021. He was predeceased by his wife, Gwendolyn; his daughter, Catherine; and his three brothers, Dr. Roy Brown, Jerry Brown (Chief of Operations NYC Department of Corrections), and Dr. Norman Brown. Howard is survived by his sons, Christopher and Clifford; his daughters-in-law, Rhonda and Nancy; and his grandchildren, Kendall, Griffin, Jeremy, and Hudson. Howard also leaves behind countless relatives, colleagues, new, and lifelong friends.