Raymond E. (Ray) Brown

Raymond E. “Ray” Brown, Jr., 60 of Peabody Lane died unexpectedly at home this week.

     Ray was born in Springfield, MA on December 12, 1956 the son of Raymond and Ruth (Packard) Brown. He grew up in Westfield and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Management and Finance from the University of Massachusetts.

     He began his career with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections in 1979 and continued for 33 years until his retirement from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in January of 2012. During that time he also served at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office . An integral part of the daily operations at the jail, Ray was involved in many aspects and programs available at the jail. When he retired in 2012 he was the Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer for the Sheriff’s Office. Although “retired” he remained a vital source for his knowledge and willingness to assist the Sheriff’s Office on a part time basis. His connections with colleagues and staff at the jail will be missed for years.

     In his time away from work, Ray was busy as well. He was a talented musician and was the beloved Conductor of the Brattleboro American Legion Band. As an athlete he was a cyclist and runner who finished two Ironman competitions, one in Lake Placid, NY and one in Mont Tremblant, Canada. He was an active supporter of the Friends of Greenfield Recreation and the Sheriff’s Office Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

     Above all else, his first love was his family, always putting others’ needs before his own and never wanting any recognition or praise. His summers on Lake Winnipesaukee were filled with sailing, family barbecues, training for triathlons and fireside debates. As an unfailing role model, he instilled the importance of integrity, hard work and perseverance. With his subtle humor and steady mentoring, he was the rock of the family, offering sound advice and a positive perspective whenever needed. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

     Ray leaves behind his wife, Eileen (Mulloy) Brown, whom he married in 1978, his four children; son Raymond “Ray” III and his wife Laura of Waltham, MA, daughter Sarah Corbett her husband Vincent and their children Shannon, Liam and Erin of Westfield, daughter Rebecca Brown and Marshall MacKinnon of Westfield, daughter Meaghan Gadbois her husband Barry and their daughter Abigail of Westfield, a sister Janice and late husband Joseph Malcovsky of Westfield, many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He was predeceased by a sister Patricia Brown.

     Calling hours will be Sunday afternoon from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin St., Greenfield.

     A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 17, at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA with Rev. Fr. Robert Gentile, Jr., Pastor, as celebrant. Those wishing to attend the Mass are asked to go directly to the church as there will be no gathering at the funeral home prior to the Mass. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

     In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Brattleboro American Legion Band, c/o Bill Wessell, 255 Poocham Rd., West Chesterfield, NH 03466 or online at www.brattleborolegionband.org

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