Dennis Donald "DD" Brown

Dennis Donald (DD) Brown, age 75, went to his eternal resting place on January 13, 2025, in Bloomington, IN. He peacefully passed away with his family by his side, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on April 17, 1949, the beloved son of Donald and Laurette Brown of Somersworth, NH. He was #3 in a family of eight children, with one sister and six brothers, and was known by those in his hometown as Pinky. DD is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Denise "DK" Brown, their two children, Amber (Clint) Finley and Mitch (Alyssa) Brown, and three grandchildren, Addy and Aubrey Finley and Jackson Brown. He also leaves behind his siblings, in-laws and a host of cousins who shared in his joyful spirit. Following his graduation from Somersworth High School in 1967, DD joined the U.S. Navy, at age 18, and served for 21 years, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer (AVCM Brown) in 1988. He served two tours with VR-24 squadron in Rota, Spain, made a total of eight deployments with VXE-6 squadron Operation Deep Freeze to Antarctica, and spent the last three years of his career at NAS Point Mugu, CA. He received many awards over the course of his career, including two Navy Achievement Medals. After his retirement he took a position as a government contractor Logistician continuing to support NAS Point Mugu. When the contract abruptly ended in 1995, DD relocated his family to Bloomington, IN where he continued to serve as a Logistician until his retirement from NSWC Crane in March 2020. DD and Denise met in December 1974 (or, if you asked him, August 1975) in New Zealand during one of his deployments to the Antarctic. They married in New Zealand on December 18, 1976. In November 1977 they moved to Rota, Spain, where they spent the next three and half years. The Navy then took them back to Oxnard, CA, where they spent the next 14 years. After his retirement from the U.S. Navy, DD attended night classes at University of La Verne attaining his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During his time in California, DD was very active with the Special Olympics. He volunteered, coordinating security for the athletes during events at UCLA and Lake Tahoe. He was instrumental in organizing local events and thoroughly enjoyed the medal presentation ceremonies. DD was a devoted Catholic and could be found at St. Charles Borromeo Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister at the 12 o’clock mass. DD took an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. You could find him at swim lessons, soccer and baseball games as the Team Dad, Boy Scout troop leader, and was famous for his oatmeal pancakes. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren at swim lessons and meets, attended dance recitals, horseback riding lessons and T-ball games. DD was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, integrity, unwavering dedication to his country, and his faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 1-4 pm at Allen Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 4 pm. The service will also be livestreamed through their YouTube channel. A private burial will be held the following day. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, online donations: https://www.alz.org/indiana or checks: 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Donors should be advised to include a note to indicate “In memory of Dennis Brown.” Contribution notifications can be sent to Browndk54@gmail.com.

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Dennis Donald "DD" Brown

April 17, 1949 - January 13, 2025