Francis "Paul" Brown

WarwickFrancis "Paul" Brown, 82, of Minnesota Ave, died Thursday, January 21, 2016, at Greenwich Farms. He was the husband of the late Maureen G. (Downey) Brown, the love of his life that he cherished and was married to for 58 years. Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1933, in Valley Falls. He was a son of the late John I. Brown and Rose E. (Richendson) Brown. He was a graduate of Cumberland High School. He served our country proudly during the Korean War where he was a Medic as a member of the 3rd Army 7th Infantry, known as the Cotton Ballers. He was highly decorated for his war efforts. He attended both CCRI & RISD."Paul" was a longtime ranger for the Boy Scouts of Rhode Island at the Champlin Scout Reservation in Cranston. He was also a very active volunteer, lending his services to DAV, Boy Scouts as a scout master, The Arthritis Foundation of Rhode Island, RI Right to Life, various soup kitchens, a vicariate for the handicapped for the Diocese of Providence, and the former Cranston General Hospital; as well as a member of the Valley Falls Fire Department and the Cumberland Rescue.He enjoyed fishing, stamp collecting, painting, drawing, sketching, sculpting, wood working, and various arts & crafts.Paul leaves four sons, Robert S. Brown, Deacon Scott S. Brown, Todd P. Brown, and Matthew P., Brown, Six grandchildren, Michael R. Brown, Victoria A. Brown, Dominique M. Brown, Todd P. Brown, Jr., Matthew T. Brown, and Jacob S. Brown, and loving great grandfather of Serenity and Grace Brown. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was the father of the late Michael F., Kelly Ann Brown, and brother of the late Carol R. Brown, Dorothy M. Gannon, and John I. Brown, Jr. Paul's funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 8:45 am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rt. 117) Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 84 Exeter Road, Exeter. Burial with military honors will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery. Visiting hours Monday evening 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's memory to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 84 Exeter Road, Exeter, RI 02822 would be appreciated.