Obituary of Ronald Vernon Brown

Ronald V. Brown, of Sicklerville, NJ, passed away on September 22, 2024, just two weeks shy of his 95th birthday. Born on October 7, 1929, in Philadelphia to Louis and Evelyn Brown, Ronald was a devoted family man and respected community member. At the young age of 16, Ronald left high school to join the Army towards the end of World War II. During his time in the Army, he experienced an unforgettable and completely unexpected reunion aboard a ship in the Pacific when he encountered his older brother Louis, fondly known as "Tougie.” As a young man who had not reached adulthood, it was a welcome surprise and wonderful comfort. For his honorable service, Ronald was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Following a brief return to civilian life, he re-enlisted in the Air Force to continue helping to support his family, this time from afar, through allotment checks. During his military career, Ronald served with dedication and distinction in Japan, Germany, and across the U.S., ultimately retiring as a TSgt E-5 after 20 years. He went on to dedicate another two decades of service to the Post Office. Ronald married the girl next door (literally). He was smitten when they were little kids. Their marriage took place 14 years later and spanned over 61 years. During her battle with kidney disease, Ronald remained her steadfast support and unwavering source of love. As a quintessential “girl dad,” he nurtured his only child, Deborah, offering her every opportunity to thrive and cultivating an unbreakable bond as her closest confidant and advisor. Deborah was acutely aware of the sacrifices he made on her behalf and always felt enveloped by his unconditional love and guidance. Extending his devotion beyond the bounds of his family, Ronald opened his heart to his nieces and nephews (and ultimately their children), providing them with unwavering support and instilling within them a deep appreciation for learning and growth. To this day, they credit him for expanding their horizons and fostering their love of knowledge. An ardent reader with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Ronald embraced Christianity in his 70s at Bethany Baptist Church. He immersed himself in the teachings of the Bible, striving to deepen his understanding and embody the word through his daily actions. Ronald’s commitment to the common good was evident in his selfless acts of giving, which extended far beyond the walls of his church. As a cheerful giver, in addition to tithing, he actively supported causes that relate to child welfare, animal care, economic empowerment and humanitarian relief. Matthew 25:40—"Truly I tell you, what you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” —resonated deeply within his heart.