Ronald Edward Brown

Ronald Edward Brown, teacher of instrumental music for 38 years in the town of Barnstable, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Cape Cod Hospital. This February, he would have celebrated 55 years of marriage to Geraldine Brown. He was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts to Gilbert M. Brown and Katherine Moses Brown.

Ron’s interest in music began with trombone lessons in elementary school. He was a graduate of Gloucester High School and a member of the ROTC band where he had the privilege of playing in the inauguration parade for President Eisenhower. Upon graduation from the Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts, he enlisted in the United States Army. He auditioned and was selected to play trombone in the West Point Academy Band and during his service played for the inauguration of President Kennedy and at General MacArthur’s “Duty, Honor, Country” address to the Cadets in May of 1962.

Upon completing his service, he started his career of teaching instrumental music to students in the Town of Barnstable. As a professional musician, he played in the pit orchestra at the Cape Cod Melody Tent for twenty years, as was also a member of the Brentwood Brass and the Silver Foxes Swing Band. Ron was also a member of the Boston University Alumni Band, the West Point Band Alumni, and the Boston Musician’s Union.

In addition to his wife Geri, Ron leaves his daughter Ellen and her husband Elliot Kaplan, grandsons Joshua and Zachary Kaplan of Quincy, as well as his son Matthew Brown of Somerville, and his brother Gilbert Brown of Gloucester. He also leaves his sisters in laws, Arlene Durkee of Gloucester, Marilyn Higgins of Hyannis, and Rev. Bonnie Goodwin and her husband Kenneth of West Yarmouth, plus many beloved nieces and nephews.

A long time member of the Federated Church of Hyannis, Ron served as President and Deacon, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served as an interim Choir Director. Most recently he was a member of the Mission and Memorial committees. His compassion for other continues as he is a donor to the New England Organ Bank.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at the Federated Church of Hyannis, 320 Main St., Hyannis, MA on Saturday January 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm. A private committal service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Federated Church of Hyannis Mission or Memorial Scholarship Funds.