Hudson – Erling “Erl” O. Brown, 87, of Hudson, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, with his loving family by his side, at Rose Monahan Hospice after a period of declining health. He leaves behind his beloved wife of over 63 years, Marjorie A. (Fahey) Brown.
In addition to his wife, Erl is also survived by his four children, Michael E. Brown of Northborough, Richard H. Brown and his wife Nancy of Melbourne, Fla., Kevin L. Brown and his wife Amy of Hudson, and Elizabeth A. Earle and her husband James of Halifax; his sister, Nancy Hanks of Sarasota, Fla.; his grandchildren, Erling Brown II, Daniel Brown, Gaetana Grey, Erik Brown, and Joshua Brown; and his great-grandson, Rowan Daniel Brown. Erl was predeceased by his parents, Henry W. and Gertrude (Owren) Brown, and his two brothers, Henry W. Brown and George W. Brown.
Erl was born July 7, 1930 in Providence, R.I. and later moved to Nantucket where he graduated from high school. Shortly after his graduation, Erl enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his nation during the Korean War. Following his return from service, Erl matriculated at Northeastern University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
He worked for Raytheon for over 30 years before he eventually retired.
Erl married the love of his life, Marjorie A. Fahey, on July 3, 1954 in Saint Michael’s Parish in Hudson. A short time later they moved to Marlborough, where they resided for the next 26 years and raised their family before moving to Hudson in 1986, where they have lived for the past 31 years.
Erl was a devout Catholic who lived his faith every day of his life, as a longtime member of Saint Michael’s Parish, where he was a member of the choir and attended mass regularly. Erl also had strong ties to Immaculate Conception Church, where he taught CCD and raised money for the school while he was raising his family in Marlborough.
He was the “quintessential family man,” devoted to his wife and children and dedicated to raising them in a loving home. He played an active role in all of their lives, coaching baseball, leading their Cub Scout troops and being involved with their educations. As the next generations were born, his love for his family grew along with his family, he adored his grandchildren and they affectionately nicknamed him “Boom.”
Erl was a talented artist, creating many beautiful paintings and drawings for his friends and family to cherish. Growing up in Nantucket, Erl had a love for the beach and ocean; digging for clams and quahogs was a favorite hobby of Erl’s in the summertime. Most of all, Erl will be remembered for his caring and kind heart, he loved people and he was ahead of his time when it came to how he viewed someone. Erl never judged a person for what they were and always looked beyond the superficial to see people for who they were. He used his position at work to open doors and give opportunities to many people that at the time would not have normally been considered for some of the positions. Erl was a friend of Bill W. and stayed involved throughout his life. Erl was a great man and his legacy remains with all who had the opportunity to get to know him. And he will be dearly missed.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 4-7 p.m., at TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St., Hudson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m., at Saint Michael’s Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, followed by a procession to Saint Michael’s Cemetery for final committal services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Addiction Referral Center, PO Box 225, Marlborough, MA 01752.
