Frank A. Brown peacefully passed away on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at the Veterans Health Center, Rocky Hill, CT surrounded by family.
Frank was born February 10, 1941, in New Haven, to Lillian O. Brown and the late Francis W. Brown.
Frank graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1959. He was a Phi Delta Omega, the first African American fraternity at HIllhouse High School. He entered the United States Air Force on Dec. 13, 1960, where he served as an air policeman, receiving an honorable discharge on Sept. 17, 1965. Frank’s tours of duty included Germany and Turkey.
Frank was best known for his musical talents. He was self-taught on several instruments as well as reading sheet music. His biggest accomplishment was mastering the vibraphone or vibes. He played with several local groups during the 1970s.
In addition to his mother, Frank leaves to cherish a son, Mark A. Brown (Johnna) of Waterbury; brother Thomas D. Brown of Wallingford, CT; sister, Sally J. Brown and Margaret Shuford both of New Haven, Diane Brown-Petteway and Lillian O. Cowan, both of Hamden; granddaughters Joshelle Jackson- Brown of Atlanta, Ga. and Ashley Singley of Baltimore, Md.; grandsons Alden Singley of New Haven and Marcel Brown of Waterbury; great granddaughter Joloni Brooks of Atlanta, Ga., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by daughter, Stephanie Singley, and sister Carol A. Brown-McLaughlin.
The family wishes to send a special thanks to Jesse “Hameen” Kilpatrick and Bobby Winters for their impromptu “jam session” for Frank at the Veterans Health Center in October.
Frank will receive full military honors at the State Veteran Cemetery in Middletown, CT on Saturday January 16, 2016. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
