Fred Brown

A longtime resident of New Rochelle, New York, Fred was a man of quiet strength, sharp wit and unwavering love for his family. His life was a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the joy of simple pleasures.

Born on February 10, 1949, in Yonkers, New York, Fred was the son of Fred Brown and Margaret Harbison Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ralph Brown. As a young boy, he attended Messiah Baptist Church in Yonkers and later studied alongside his mother at the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall.

At Commerce High School, Fred excelled in business studies and athletics and was voted “Most Athletic” by his peers for accomplishments in football and track & field. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S, Army, completing basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. From 1968 to 1970, he served in Vietnam with distinction, earning numerous honors, including the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and most notably, the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism in combat.

After his military service, Fred built a successful career in telecommunications. He worked for Citibank in NYC before becoming a Regional Manager for Cable and Wireless Telecommunications, overseeing operations across parts of Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, and New York.

Beyond his career, Fred was a man of many passions. A voracious reader , he had a deep love for science fiction, mysteries, and historical accounts- especially anything about war. A lifelong comic book enthusiast, he spent Saturdays browsing local book and comic shops and later devoured novels by James Patterson, Robert Parker, and John Sandford. He was always ready for a thought-provoking debate on history or religion, making you wonder how he stored so much information.

Fred embraced life’s simple pleasures. He loved dining out, always eager to try new restaurants and exotic dishes. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and board games. Later in life, he discovered a love for painting. His impeccable taste in music -favoring sounds of the ‘60s, Toni Braxton, Anita Baker and Kelly Clarkson-ensured he always had the perfect playlist. Whether watching music videos, bowling tournaments, the Food Network, HGTV, or a classic Western, action, or psychological thriller, Fred’s interests were as diverse as they were deep.

Fred will be remembered for his warm smile and smirk, and unmistakable hearty laugh. He was thoughtful, kind, and laid back.

Above all, Fred was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife Leonette Taylor-Brown; his four children: Amanda Brown Anderson – Atlanta, GA, Frederick Eli Brown, (Sarah) – Brooklyn, New York- Monifa Celeste Brown - Los Angeles, CA, and Ashley Lynette Brown-Shuman (Aaron) Atlanta, GA – his sister, Evelyn Brown Robinson (Donald) – West Covina, CA; his brother, Gilbert Brown – Phoenix, AZ; four grandsons, one great-granddaughter, nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins. He also leaves behind his best childhood friend, Stephen Johnson.

Visiting hours for Fred will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Committal service & military honors will take place Friday, March 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Calverton National Cemetery.