Donald E. Brown, Sr.

1932-2025

Donald E. Brown, Sr., affectionately known as Don, was born on February 21, 1932, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, at Calcutta Health Care. He was 93 years old.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1955. Following his service, he dedicated 28 years of his life to working as an Open Hearth worker at Crucible Steel Mill in Midland, Pennsylvania, until its closure. He then continued his career at Bowyers Hardware.

He was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge #1040 in Wellsville and VFW Post 5647 in Wellsville, reflecting his deep connection to his community and fellow veterans. He served on Wellsville Village Council for 16 years. Don was also a devoted member of Masonic Lodge 315, where he formed lifelong friendships and contributed to many charitable activities.

Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy (Mattern) Brown; his parents, Melvin and Bessie (Cramer) Brown; two cherished grandchildren, Ricci Brown Endsly and Holden Tharp; and siblings Melvin, Leroy, Bill, and Jim Brown, as well as his sister, Linda Davis.

He is survived by his children: Don “Rap” Brown, Jr., of Wellsville; Dennis Brown, of Toronto; Brenda Kersey, of Wellsville; Gretchen Hunter, of Wellsville; and Vanessa Brown, of Youngstown. Don also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, who will carry forward his legacy of love and strength.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the MacLean Chapel of Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists, located on Riverside Avenue in Wellsville. The Tri-State Burial Group will be present at 2:30 p.m. to accord military honors, followed by Masonic rites conducted by Lodge 315 at 2:45 p.m.

A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m., officiated by Pastor Dirk Hall from The Living Well.

Don’s son, Rap, would like to thank Calcutta Health Care for the compassionate care they took of his father during his stay there.

11/17/2017