Robert "Brownie" James Brown Obituary (1929 - 2021)

Robert "Brownie" James Brown, 91, of Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Hospice, in Cabot, PA. He was born March 30, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Harold James Brown and the late Marie Bradle Brown. Robert was a Sgt. with the City of Pittsburgh Police Detective Division. He retired in 1976, after being shot in the line of duty during an armed robbery. He also co-owned his own horse business "Brown, Brown, Callihan Stables" with his son Terry and his dearly departed friend Bernard "Bean" Callihan. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. He served two tours in the Korean War earning the rank of Master Sgt. and received numerous military awards including the Purple Heart. Robert was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge #1, the Chicora Moose Lodge 962, Chicora American Legion Post 642, and the United States Trotting Association. "Brownie" was a true friend to many. His was an extremely hardworking, humble man and his advice was often sought out by both friends and family. He never turned his back on anyone in need. He was highly respected by his police and horse-racing colleagues and he had a reputation for embracing any challenge and finding a solution. Brownie always said the best thing he ever did was "move my family from the city to the country". He enjoyed farming, breeding, raising and training horses, big band dances and helping others. Robert James Brown is survived by four sons, Patrick (Chrissi) Brown of Rochester, PA, Timothy (Rita) Brown of Strawberry Plains, TN, Terry (Stacey) Brown of Prospect, PA, Art (Debbie) Vogel of Butler, PA; two daughters, Colleen (Joe) Urish of Butler, PA, Dr. Kathleen Brown of Carlisle, PA; five grandchildren, Sean (Kelsey) Brown, Dylan (Allison) Brown, Ashley (fiance Chris Shaw) Brown, Brady Brown, Dr. Brittany (John) Bielewicz; great-grandchildren, Alexa Shaw, Sophia Marie Brown; two nieces, Amy Hirsch, Cathy Boyd; and five nephews, Don, Billy, and Mike Betz, Jim and Bob Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Mildred Brown, who he married on October 29, 1955 and who passed away on November 24, 2012; one brother, Bill Brown, and one sister, Eileen Betz. The family extends its deep gratitude to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice who provided phenomenal care to Brownie. No public visitation. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Monday, January 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean Street, Butler, PA 16001 Officer and Member of VFW Post #249, American Legion Post #117, and American Legion Post #778 will conduct military honors after the service at the church. Due to Covid-19 state regulations, masks must be worn and please adhere to social distancing. Burial will take place in the Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora PA. Arrangements were handled by the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001.