Stephen P. Brown

1962 - 2017

Stephen Pierce Brown from Ipswich, MA, born February 15, 1962 in Brighton, MA, died November 1, 2017, after living well despite having esophageal cancer for the last six years. He approached his death as he did his life, with fierce courage, humility and grace. Although he endured many bouts of cancer and other difficulties during his life, he lived with remarkable zest and perseverance, and served as a role model for many, showing them how to adjust, adapt, and overcome adversity. Stephen worked as a "clammer" (a rite of passage in Ipswich), carpenter and manager, who was known throughout his career as a gifted leader with an impeccable work ethic. Steve loved to fly airplanes, ride his Harley, host parties and spend time with his friends watching his beloved Patriots and coaching his fantasy football team. He started the couch potato football league in 1993. He was known for his wit and storytelling and being "the life of the party". He loved spending time with his son, Christopher, camping, serving as a Cub Scout leader, playing, coaching and watching sports together. Steve was a hands- on dad with his daughter Samantha, as well, serving as a soccer coach, youth group leader, singing, dancing and performing in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and most recently volunteering in her classroom in NC. His home was always filled with humor through good times and bad. During his final years, he and his wife, his fun partner, Tracy (Durgin) Brown, traveled throughout the US, as well as Paris, France and Cape Bretton, NS, checking places off their bucket lists. He was known for receiving bad news from his docs one day and hopping on a plane for some fun adventure; telling his docs he'd see them in a week or so for the next round of treatment. He lived like Zorba, savoring and enjoying every day, cooking with and for his wife, dancing in their kitchen or anywhere, gardening and landscaping their backyard to create a beautiful oasis for their friends and family to enjoy. He was the son of Pierce and Norrine Brown, brother to Philip, Susan, Karen, Elizabeth, David, Christine and Nancy. He was a favorite uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and godfather, and a mentor to the many children he spent time with throughout his life. Steve was a treasured and loyal friend and his wit, wisdom, storytelling, and sense of fun and adventure will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. There will be a graveside service held at Highland Cemetery on Town Farm Rd. in Ipswich on November 18, 2017 at 11am. An Irish wake will follow at the VFW Hall, 110 County Rd., Ipswich, MA. Steve was passionate about improving the lives of the impoverished children his daughter, Sam, teaches and mentors. The funds provide books and scholarships to enrich and educate the lives of Sams kids. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Sams Kids at the First Ipswich Bank in Ipswich. Donations may also be sent to 113 Topsfield Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938.