In Memory of William Dixon Brown

William Dixon Brown, 70, of Avon, beloved husband of Amelia “Amy” (Fiorillo) Brown, passed away, Saturday, June 18, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at Hartford Hospital.  

Born in Mineola, NY, son of the late Byron and Julia (Prosser) Brown, he had lived in East Norwich, NY, moving to Avon 19 years ago. A proud American, Bill served in the US Air Force and later graduated from CW Post University. He was employed by Grumman Aerospace for more than 25 years, last serving as director of marketing.

The move to Connecticut came when Bill was asked to join Kaman Corporation, Bloomfield. As vice president of business development, he was known and respected throughout the Aerospace Industry globally. Bill’s work ethic of determination and perseverance was never more apparent than over these last 19 months, as he worked daily despite the hardships of struggling with his disease.

Flight was his life’s work and passion as Bill held a private pilot’s license and enjoyed traveling the world with his family.  A meticulous man, to whom attention to detail was very important; his woodworking and gardening reflected these strong values.

Bill had a natural love of learning and was often found reading a new book or watching the History Channel.

In addition to his wife Amy, Bill leaves two loving daughters, Julie Brown Armstrong and her husband Thomas Armstrong of Avon and Hollie Brown Smith and her husband Darrin Smith of West Hartford; his grandchildren, whom he adored with pride, Taylor Elizabeth and Lauren Mary Armstrong and Cole Lawrence Smith; two brothers, Tad Brown and his wife Nicole of France and Kenneth Brown and his wife Karyn of Salt Lake City, UT; and a sister, Rebecca Garrigan and her husband James of Bozeman, MT.  Bill was loved deeply by his sisters and brothers-in law and many nieces and nephews.  

Dr. Steven Goldblatt and his staff were especially loving, supportive, and helpful during this difficult time. The Brown Family would like to thank the staff of Oncology Associates at the Hartford Hospital Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center and the exceptional nurses and staff of CB2 and the Palliative Care Team, for their exceptional care and support.

His family will receive friends Thursday, June 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. Family and friends may gather Friday, June 24, 9 a.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home, Avon followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m. at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Avon. 

Contributions may be made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102-5037. For condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.