Northampton, MA – Samuel Robert Brown, 1944-2025, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14th, 2025. Born in Northampton, MA, on January 9, 1944, he was the second oldest of four children born to Victoria and Samuel M. Brown. He attended Northampton High School and Holyoke Community College. He married Jean F. Wynne in 1968 and moved to Hatfield, MA, soon after.
As a child, Sam developed an adventurous and mischievous spirit that stayed with him throughout his life. Along with his sisters and brother, he delighted in innocent fun, often playing good-natured pranks on adults in their South Street neighborhood in Northampton. Later, as a father and uncle, Sam continued to bring a playful energy to those around him, whether by building a backyard “PG Ball” field complete with chalk lines, a strike zone, and a ten-foot green wall, or by helping his nephews create an epic sled run behind their Linseed Road home. His humor was always warm and good-natured, and from childhood through adulthood, he found great joy in laughter and shared moments.
Sam began his career working alongside his father at Brown’s Decorating in the late 60s and early 70s, where he learned the value of craftsmanship, responsibility, and pride in one’s work. He went on to dedicate 35 years to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he began as a member of the grounds crew, moved to the plumbing shop, and retired as a Planner Estimator. Throughout his employment, Sam received numerous performance accolades, served as a Chief Shop Steward, and was instrumental in removing asbestos from campus buildings.
Sam also loved music. He performed in several bands over the years, including The James LaRose Band and The Starfires. Music was not just a hobby for him, but a way to connect with and bring joy to others. He was encouraging and inspiring to kids interested in exploring any aspect of music. In the early 2000s, he volunteered at Smith Academy High School, helping build sets for school musicals and supporting students behind the scenes.
Sam was a man of strong convictions and high moral character. He often questioned the prevailing narrative, enjoyed investigating and learning new things, and reveled in spirited debate.
Whether sprinting on the tennis court, strategizing over a chess match, or bidding confidently in a Pitch game, Sam was a fierce and enthusiastic competitor. His gamesmanship knew no bounds. After a close ping-pong victory, he might be heard asking, “Who’s the champ!?” and after a tightly contested pool game, he was quick to declare himself the “champion of the world.” Just as much as he loved to compete, Sam delighted in wordplay. When asked, “How are you doing?” he would often reply, “I couldn’t be better, no matter how I’m doing.”
Sam is survived by his daughter, Jennifer; his son, Matt; his former wife, Jean; his sister, Victoria Thompson; his sister, Suellen Jones; and his brother, Bruce Brown. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in April in Northampton, Massachusetts. Donations may be made in Sam’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, and the Hatfield American Legion.
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