Howard Vern Brown, 87, of New Brighton (North Sewickley Township) passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024.  He was born on April 29, 1936 to the late Herbert and Stella Brown. While his first name is Howard, most people knew him as Vern.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters: Flora Shaw, Anna Zahn, Eva Cusick and Naomi Elsbury; and four brothers: Bill Brown, Ken Brown, Jack Brown and Harold “Pete” Brown.

Vern is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Shirley Brown, one brother, Herbert (Jean) Brown and a sister, Estelle “Toots” Measel, two sons, Richard (Cathy) Brown of Canton, Ohio and James (Terri) Brown of McKinney, Texas, eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Vern served his country in the US Army from May 1957 to May 1959, and for eighteen months of that time, he was stationed in Germany.  After serving in the military, he returned to work at McDanel Refractories as a machinist and later supervisor of the machine shop.

Vern was a 1954 graduate of Beaver Falls High School.  He was an active member on the Class Reunion Committee.  Vern attended Penn State, Beaver Campus for 2 years where he received an associate degree.  Vern was past President of the Beaver County Management Club.

Vern faithfully attended Concord Methodist Church where he served on various committees and was an usher for over 60 years.

Vern loved sports and coaching his kids. He coached Farm League, Little League, Pony League and Legion.  He was the first manager of the Riverside Legion Team.  He was passionate about youth sports.  He was part of the crew that built Bradshaw Park and was the 2nd President of the Northeastern Athletic Association (now RBF) and served in that role for 3 years.  After his sons went off to college, Vern played softball for Concord United Methodist Church where he was an outstanding pitcher.

Vern and his wife loved to travel and watch their children and grandchildren play sports. They were avid fans of the Pirates and Steelers.

Friends will be received Wednesday April 24, 2024 from 3 P.M. to 6 P.M. in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, 3801-4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Additional visitation will be held Thursday April 25, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. in the Concord Church, A Global Methodist Congregation, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls. His pastor, Rev. Chris Kindle, will officiate.

Members of the Veteran’s Honor Guard will meet at the funeral home on Wednesday April 24 at 3 P.M. to provide full military honors.

Interment will follow in the Concord Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Three Oaks Hospice for all of their special care for Vern.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Concord Church Memorial Fund or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.