Robert Lee (Bob) Brown, Newark, DE, went home to his Lord on January 8, 2021. Bob was born January 31, 1959 in Cumberland, MD to his beloved parents George, who preceded him in death, and Hilda (Hull) Brown.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carolyn; daughter Chelsea (Tommy) Cummins and granddaughter Grace; son Evan (Maria); sister Cyndi (Jim) Stewart; brother George (Karen) Brown; sister Valerie (Lorne) Kennell; mother-in-law Virginia (Andrew-deceased) Kovall; brother-in-law Robert (Sandra) Kovall; nieces Victoria, Holly, and Rebekah; nephews Benjamin, Cullin, Caleb, Matthew, Michael, and Mitchell; great niece Sydnie; great nephews Jaxson, Maverick, and Remington; and extended family members Kevin, Karen, Christopher, Claire, and Cory Prykull.
Bob was raised in Cumberland where he was a proud 1977 graduate of Fort Hill High School and a player on its first State Football Championship team in 1975. He considered his graduating class special and appreciated its closeness. He wishes to thank all classmates who made this possible and encourages all remaining members to maintain their relationships through active participation in its frequent events.
Bob received his BSEE degree from West Virginia University in 1981 and went to work for U.S. Steel in Homestead, PA. He left U.S. Steel in December of 1984 to work for DuPont in Wilmington, DE, starting in January 1985, where he continued to work until his death. He held positions of Development Engineer, Consultant, and Technology Manager and he received two patents for his contributions. He had the pleasure of traveling the world and meeting and working with many wonderful people.
Bob continued his education while working for DuPont and received his Delaware Professional Engineering License in 1991 and a MSEE degree from one of the first on-line ABET accredited universities, National Technological University in 1992. He also taught for years at both Delaware Technical Community College and Pennsylvania State University’s Media and Abington campuses.
Bob was active in his children’s activities. He coached or assisted with their school teams including softball, basketball, Math League, and Math & Science Olympiad. He was also active with St. John the Beloved’s annual carnival in benefit of its athletics programs, working it for the first 25 years of his residence in Delaware.
Bob’s avocation was officiating football at the youth and high school levels. He was an active member of the Northern Delaware Football Officials Association where he held positions of Board member, youth assignor, school assignor, and President.
Bob’s life was shaped by his upbringing in Cumberland and professional relationships at work. He learned his work ethics and life’s principles not only from his parents, but also from his childhood pastor Lee McDaniel, football coaches Charlie Lattimer and Roy Manges, U.S. Steel mentor Dave McBride, and DuPont mentor John Turner. The major life principle they instilled was service to others. As such, Bob volunteered in many capacities at organizations such as the Emmanuel Dining Room, the Food Bank of Delaware, Delaware Special Olympics, and the Blood Bank of Delaware, where he was a member of the 4-Gallon Club.
Bob’s acquaintances were plenty but friends were few. He wishes to thank Rich Angelucci, Tim Cookson, Pam Griest, Richard Holub, Jim Mancini, Tom Manning, and Tom Youell for listening. He believed he would have never made it as far in life without each of you.
Bob wishes you not to mourn his death, but to rejoice in his eternal life. Though his Sunday church attendance dropped off in recent years, Bob’s belief never waned. He is sure that he will join his Maker, meet up with relatives and friends that have preceded him in passing and help prepare for your future entrance into Heaven.
Bob will be cremated with a celebration of his life to be held at a later date.
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