John S. Brown

John S. Brown, 92, beloved husband of the late Shirley (Freeburn) Brown died peacefully on Friday,
September 1, 2017 at Hartford Hospital. John was born on June 10, 1925 in Manchester, son of the late J. Seymour and Elsie (Reed) Brown. He was raised in Manchester, attended local schools and was a graduate of Manchester High School, Class of 1943. John was a standout athlete. He played high school and semi-pro football where he was a guard and kicker and became known as "Automatic Johnny Brown" for his kicking
abilities, and enjoyed well into his later years; skiing, tennis, golf as a member of the Enfield Golf League for over 30 years and the Manchester Senior League and bowling as a member of the Eastern Businessmen's League. Some of John's happiest times were annual golf vacations with family and friends. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving his country during WW II in the North Appennines and Po Valley. John was a proud member of the 10th Mt. Div., Co. B 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
He was co-founder and President of Brown's Flowers Inc. in Manchester, which he enjoyed for over 45 years. John was a former Director of Connecticut FTD and hosted the "best" annual Christmas parties in the district. He was a longtime member of Center Congregational Church in Manchester where he served on several committees over the years. John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Lynelle and Tom Knauff, and his son and daughter-in-law Ron and Dee Brown all of Manchester, his three grandchildren; Nancy-Lynn Knauff of Hartford, Christopher Brown and his wife Alysia of South Windsor, CT and their children; Camden and Quinn, and Cara (Brown) Mizak and her husband Drew of Brooklyn, CT and their daughter Riley. John also leaves his sister Betty Perrachio of Coventry, his brother Robert Brown and his wife Holly of Manchester, numerous nieces, nephews and their families and his loving caregiver who was like a daughter to John, Danielle Parrish of Manchester. In addition to his wife and parents John was predeceased by his brothers, Charles and Seymour and sisters, Eunice, Lucille and Margery. One of John's biggest joys in life were his three grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. John was a sweet man who brought a smile to the face of anyone who knew him at the mere mention of his name. Family and friends are welcome to attend a time of visitation at Center Congregational Church, 11 Center St. Manchester, CT 06040 on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 5:30 -7:00 pm with a memorial service at 7 pm. Burial will be private in East Cemetery, Manchester. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center Congregational Church Memorial Fund or to the Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4 B, Southington, CT 06489. Holmes Funeral Home, Manchester has care of the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com


Visitation DetailsTuesday, September 12th, 2017 5:30pm - 7:00pm, Center Congregational Church
Service DetailsTuesday, September 12th, 2017 7:00pm, Center Congregational Church
Interment DetailsEast Cemetery