Richard A. Brownell

Richard Allen Brownell was born on August 28, 1932, in Rochester, New York. He passed away on August 30, 2025, in Lake Mary, Florida at the age of 93. Richard was known for his strength of character and resilience, as well as his love of God, family, and country. He was very patriotic and imparted that virtue to his children. Having spent a large part of his youth growing up in the German Catholic orphanage he joined the Marines at an early age and served his country with honor for 33 years. He served combat duty in both the Korean and Vietnam wars as well as many other operations including post WW2 occupation in Italy and was part of NATO forces which rescued earthquake victims in Greece. He received the Navy Commendation Medal for meritorious service in 1972 as well as many other metals throughout the years. He took and passed his GED while in a fox hole in Korea in the dead of winter. He later went on to be a member of the first graduating class of Jamestown Community College and went to the University of Buffalo Pharmacy school. Also received an additional degree from Seminole Community College. He taught classes at Florida Technical University which would later become UCF. He also served 20 years as a US Postal Worker in Sanford, Florida. A truly dynamic man, he could speak several languages, had a passion for woodworking, poetry, history and genealogy. He loved to sing and was a phenomenal dancer. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh and joke. Most of all he was a dedicated family man who was always there for those he loved.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Patricia Brownell, his son Mark Brownell, his grandson Robert Buddington, his mother Edna Lake and father Kenneth Brownell. His sisters Joan MacVittie and Shirley Kay Reed, and his brothers Kenneth D. Brownell, William Brown, Bob Lake, Donald Brownell, Victor Brownell, and recently daughter-in-law, Donna Brownell.

Richard is survived by his children Richard Brownell Jr., Dawn Armstrong, Shawn Brownell, Valorie Buddington and Jennifer Shackley. Sons-in-law Gary Armstrong and Deacon Thomas Buddington. Grandchildren Madeline and Henry Spruill, Camille and Kyle Schneider, Paris Armstrong, Tommy Judkins, Tyler Buddington, Allie and Alex Vasquez, Jennifer and Trenton Minear, Mallory Brownell, and Brianna Shackley. Brother Robert Brown, sisters Julia Bogacki and June Whilloby. Great grandchildren Khaleesi Judkins, Theo and Evelyn Minear, baby Spruill and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We are comforted knowing he was a man of faith and is safe in the arms of our Father in Heaven. Thank you to all who have given us encouragement and support during this difficult time for our family.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

A visitation for Richard will be held Friday, September 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at All Souls Historic Chapel, 800 S Oak Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. A funeral mass will occur Friday, September 19, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 800 S Oak Ave, Sanford, FL 32771. A committal service will occur Friday, September 19, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at The Historic Lake Mary Cemetery, 240 Greenleaf Ln, Lake Mary, FL 32746. A celebration of life reception will occur Friday, September 19, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford, Florida 32771.