William G. Brown Jr.

William G. Brown, Jr., of Melrose, formerly of Stoneham, MA, passed onto the heavens peacefully on Friday April, 17th 2026. He was 88 years of age. Bill was born in Rochester, PA on December 18th, 1937. He was the son of Lorraine and William Brown Sr. of Beaver, PA. Bill grew up in Beaver, PA and always considered Beaver home.

At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served for 22 years as an Air Traffic Controller Master Sergeant. After retiring from the Armed Forces, Bill worked for the Peabody Post Office for 20 years. Bill loved sports, especially football, and was an avid Steelers fan. He enjoyed spending time at the camp in Maine while smoking his pipe. He had quite a pipe collection.

Bill is survived by his sister, Cheryl Palochak of Aliquippa, PA, by his and Joan Brown’s four children, Karen Votta of North Reading, MA, Linda Moran and husband Kenny of Middleton, MA, William Brown III and wife Maria of North Reading, MA, and Marie Brown and partner Harold Lundrigan of Saugus, MA. Bill is also survived by his 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren who he adored and meant the world to him. Bill also had many nieces and nephews in PA. Bill is predeceased by his parents Lorraine and William Brown and his brother Reed “Moe” Brown. Bill also leaves behind his partner of many years, Virginia Powers, who he loved traveling to Maine with and who he loved deeply.

Bill was a lifelong member of the VFW of Saugus and B.P.O.E Elks of Saugus. His favorite dessert was lemon meringue pie and no matter where it came from, it was never as good as his sister Cheri’s.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Wednesday April 29th, 2026 in the Barile Cota Family Funeral Home 335 Park St. NORTH READING from 5 pm to 8 pm. 

Interment with Military Honors will take place in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.