JOHN FRANCIS BROWN Sr.'s Obituary
John Francis Brown Sr., 88, of Leesburg, VA passed away on August 12, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on March 28, 1935, in Washington DC, where he was raised by his Mother Audrey and later with her husband Frank Jefferies.
John is survived by his loving family including his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Mattera Brown. His children John Brown Jr. (Lora), Vicky Brown, Pattie Maclaine, and Kris Brown (Carleigh), his foster daughter Diana Tran (Bruce); ten grandchildren; Gunnar, Rennie, Jeremiah, Daniel, John, Brian, Karina, Patrick, Hannah & Rebecca and seven great grandchildren. He also leaves two of his sisters, Marsha Martin (Jim) and Brenda Hopwood.
He was predeceased by his Parents Audrey and Frank, daughter Karen Warman, his sisters June Nicholson, Nita Loveless, Ruth Loveless and his grandson Justin Maclaine.
A funeral mass will be held on September 19, 2023, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oak Crest Manor Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176 at 1:30 pm, with Father Kevin Larson officiating.
Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Browns memory to WISS (Winter Indoor Senior Softball) c\o Linda Baziluik, 14717 Panam Ave., Chantilly, VA 20151.
Please share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com
Please read a beautiful eulogy below written by Kris Brown.
In Loving Memory of John Francis Brown Sr.
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, we bade farewell to a remarkable soul. John Francis Brown Sr. passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. At 88 years old, he concluded a life filled with passion, connection, and an unwavering spirit that left a mark on all who were fortunate to know him. He was raised by his Mother Audry and later with her husband Frank Jefferies. He is survived by his wife Betty and his 4 children - John, Vicky, Pattie and Kris. He was an older brother to 5 sisters - June, Nita, Ruth, Marsha and Brenda.
John embodied the essence of the times he lived in and the city he called home. A witness to the astounding growth of the Washington Metropolitan area, he saw a town of modest proportions burgeon into a metropolis that reached farther and wider than anyone could have fathomed. He was deeply connected to the area and called the District, Maryland and Virginia home. He was a graduate of Suitland High school, where he met the love of his life Elizabeth Louise Mattera. They notoriously eloped but got busted. Lucky for him, Betty’s father loved John. A lot of people did. His friendships were a testament to his genuine nature. His deep-rooted connections, forged early in life, remained steadfast throughout his journey. And, he never stopped expanding his circle, finding joy in meeting new people and hearing their story. He was genuinely engaged when you spoke with him and genuinely curious about the world at large. He was passionate about the things he believed in and cared deeply about his family. He cherished having married into an Italian family, embracing the culture and in particular, the food. Not long after getting married John entered the Army to serve during the Korean War. It wasn’t long after his return that he began his career as a Cartographer for the agency we know now as National Geospatial - Intelligence Agency (NGA).
Passion radiated from John, an energy he poured into the things he held dear. As an athlete, he excelled at Basketball, Baseball, and Football. This resonated through his life, transitioning into coaching and later in his dedication to NVSS and the Winter Program he ran. He was a lifelong Redskins and Orioles fan, celebrating the arrival of the Nationals on through to their triumphant World Series victory in 2019. Baseball held a special place in his heart. He rarely missed watching a game. He loved Camden Yards. He was an avid Golfer for most of his life. Apart from Baseball, Golf was his favorite sport to watch. Myrtle Beach factored very heavily among the family vacation rotation.
In 1972, John bought a house in the wilds of Loudoun County and packed up his family and set off for a life away from the hustle and bustle. It was an adventure for all involved. An adventure that changed perspectives and un veiled new horizons. What initially was a culture shock transformed into deep appreciation for the haven they had found. John's house was more than bricks and mortar; it was a sanctuary where love and support intertwined with every cherished memory.
John Francis Brown Sr. has left an imprint on our lives. His unwavering love, his tenacity, and his zest for life are woven into our collective memory. As we gather to honor his legacy, let us not mourn the end, but celebrate the life he led and the light he brought to all our lives. May his spirit forever reside in the stories we share, the laughter we echo, and the lives he touched.
With love and remembrance
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