SOUTHWICK – Thomas J. “Tommy” Brown, 73, a resident of this town since 1965, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. Tom was born and educated in Hartford, CT. His work with the U.S. Government included work assignments to Egypt, Antarctica and most recently, the Bahamas.He enjoyed fishing and snorkeling from his boat “Mad Gaffer,” building and flying model planes and above all spending time with his family.
He and his wife returned to MA from the Bahamas in order to spend more time with their growing family. Though retired, Tom was often found working on home improvement projects at one of his children’s homes. Tom had served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, and was a former member of Southwick VFW Post #870. He was an active member of the Pioneer Valley Radio Control Club of Westfield.
He leaves his loving wife of 51 years, Dianne E. (Apolzer) Brown; a son, Stephen R. Brown and his wife Shannon of Westfield, MA; three daughters, Deana L. Fisher and her husband Timothy of Old Saybrook, CT, Anne M. Brown and her companion Bryan Cook of Southwick, MA, & Stefanie L. Jennings and her husband James of Granby, CT; his mother in law, Joan Apolzer of Southwick, MA, aunt Barbara & Uncle David, Uncle John; three sisters, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He also leaves many beloved members of the Fluckiger family.
Funeral services for Tom will be held Saturday, June 7th, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. A private burial with Military Honors will be held at a later date in New Cemetery, Southwick, MA. There are no calling hours. Southwick-Forastiere Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the America Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.
www.forastierefuneralhome.com
