William Brown, Jr.

William Brown, Jr. (Bill), 86, died suddenly at home on October 3. Bill, a long-time resident of suburban Lake Worth, was born in Paterson, NJ to William Brown and Trina Van den Barg Brown. He grew up in Bradley Beach, NJ and graduated from Asbury Park High School and from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in civil engineering.   His work took him to Thailand, Turkey, Johnson Atoll, Hawaii, and several other states in the US.  

In 1971, he met his wife, Patricia Bradshaw Brown, at the Jersey shore.  They were married in 1972, and together they raised two children -- Kevin who is married to Kirsten Widner and Sharon who is married to Steven Jenkins.  Bill has two grandchildren, Hazel and Keean Jenkins. 

Bill enjoyed working on many large construction projects in Palm Beach County.  His love of outdoor work made Florida the logical place for him to seek employment after working in several cold areas. His last job, however, was indoors, reviewing plans for new schools in the building department of the Palm Beach County School District.

After his parents passed away and Bill no longer spent vacation time visiting them in New Jersey, he and Pat made several trips to Europe, one being to Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he was able to see the house where his mother grew up as well as the grade school she attended.

Bill was a a track star and very popular student at Asbury Park High School.  Up until his death, he continued to impress people wherever he went and wherever he worked with his kind, gentle, and friendly demeanor.  One of his most oft-repeated queries was, "How can I help?" 

Bill was an avid Gator football fan, adopting his children's alma mater as his own.  He was a devoted and affectionate husband and father, always putting his family ahead of himself.  He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife and children as well as by neighbors who came to know his gentle, generous spirit over the years.