William R. Brown

William R. "Bill" Brown
U.S. Merchant Marine
1943-1945
WWII

William R. Brown, son of Marion Nilsen Brown and Francis Brown, was one of four boys. Bill was born
and raised in Mariners Harbor, and graduated from Port Richmond High School.

Dad was the patriarch of our family and a poster boy for the “Greatest Generation.” He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine in the North Atlantic. Like many of his contemporaries, he never spoke about his time in the service during WWII. Following his time serving the country he loved, he continued his time at sea sailing on commercial ships throughout the world.

At heart, he was a family man and going to sea was no longer an option when he married Staten Island native Clare Sullivan. They later had a daughter, Susan, and a son, Gary. He was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He joined the City of New York Department of Marine and Aviation
and became a Chief Engineer on the Staten Island Ferry.

Following his retirement, he stayed active in all things related to the water, including sailing the boat “Skal” that he shared with his daughter. He was a Life Member of the Keyport Yacht Club (an honor reserved for very few); member of the Marine and Aviation Anchor Club; the American Merchant Marine Veterans, Denis Ryland Chapter; and was a member of the local Staten Island chapter of AMVETS.

Bill passed away at the age of 87 on November 23, 2010.

Sponsored by William Brown's Family