Gerald M. Brown

Gerald M. Brown, 78, of Quaker City, died Wednesday (August 6, 2014) at Wheeling Hospital. He was born May 25, 1936 in Noble County, son of the late Girdon Joseph Brown and Mary Lucille (Hanlon) Brown. Gerald was one of thirteen children, having six brothers and six sisters. Mr. Brown retired after twenty years of service with the US Navy, including his service during the Vietnam War. He earned the rank of HM1 during his time with the US Navy. He later retired from the United States Postal Service and was a bus driver for Head Start for many years. Mr. Brown was a graduate of Johnson and Wales University of Rhode Island, having earned his B.S. degree in business management. He was a member of the VFW Post of Barnesville and the American Legion Post of Batesville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Brown; and a daughter, Cynthia Brown. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Potter) Brown; four sons, Jerry Brown Jr. of Riverside RI, Christopher Brown of OH, Manuel Silvia of Riverside RI, and William (& Nancie) Silvia of Pawtucket RI; two daughters, Catherine Silvia-Ferris and Christina Brown-Holmes both of OH; twenty-three grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be held Saturday (August 9, 2014) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Quaker City, where funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Father Robert Borer officiating. Burial will be at Batesville Cemetery, with military graveside services.