Maurice James Brown Jr.

Maurice James Brown, Jr. passed away on May 28, 2024, at the age of 80 in his home in Sun City West, AZ. Maurice (pronounced Morris) was the favorite, and only, son of Maurice and Mary Catherine (Kilgallon) Brown of Hazel Crest, IL.

Maurice's parents described him as a firecracker with a “can do” attitude. He helped in the first Brown family business, a general store on Chicago's North side. Maurice fondly recalled endlessly slicing paper-thin deli ham for sandwiches he helped his Ma prepare. With his parent's permission, at 17 yrs. old Maurice enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. He served honorably, receiving the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and Good Conduct Medal. Maurice reminisced about his days as a firefighter and his active duty station in Japan but his most precious memory was his time in Yuma, AZ. In Arizona, Maurice's best friend invited him on a blind date with Lydia Gloria Granio who became his Forever Bride and Love of His Life. He fondly proclaimed this moment as the beginning of the best part of his life.

With his Bride Lydia, Maurice returned to Chicago and worked as a union carpet installer. He possessed a wily and entrepreneurial spirit with endless, unconditional support from his lifelong partner Lydia. Together, as Maurice and Lydia did everything, they embraced risk and became hardware store owners in the Back of Yards neighborhood of Chicago. Eventually, the family expanded in the Bridgeport and Irving Park neighborhoods. During this time, Maurice and Lydia raised a family of four independent and spirited children, and ensured their children valued a wage and hard work over allowance (aka used cheap child labor). They taught nephews to use hammers and screwdrivers, provided a haven for family friends, and adopted any stray dog that wandered into the hardware store.

Maurice experimented with a multitude of businesses ranging from laundromats, heating and cooling, retail furniture, private mortgage holder for those less Blessed, and cash advance businesses all with the goal of providing a Good Life for his Bride and Children. Maurice settled on self-storage businesses as the ultimate Family Business and poured his energy into that endeavor for more than 25 years. Along the pebbled and challenging way, Maurice valued the kindness of the many good people who extended a helping hand, shared words of encouragement and guidance, and offered their wisdom. Good people in Maurice's life were plentiful, cherished and regularly remembered.

Maurice's legacy includes his Bride, Lydia G. Brown, his children Patrick Brown (Dominika Zakrzewska); Mary Ellen Brown (Samuel Carreon), and Maureen Brown (John Ager), adored granddaughters Apolonia Sterk (Patrick Sterk), Jaqueline Pilamunga, Tala Morales (Samuel Sanchez), Ella Brown and Kaia Brown, followed by great grandchildren Lorelai and Elliana Sterk. Maurice was preceded in death by his parents and beloved first born, Natalie Marie Brown.

A memorial of entertaining stories, cherished memories, and crafty tall tales will be taking place Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL from 10:00am – 1:00pm followed by the Family Tradition of a nourishing festive luncheon including raising a glass, or two with our Loved Ones in smiles, laughter and fond memories.

A man of humble beginnings who honored his parents’ values, Maurice partook in charity to the Semper Fi Fund, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Shriners Hospital, and Little Sisters of the Poor.

In lieu of flowers, the Family encourages donations and Grace to our fellow humankind especially those that served this great country.