Robert H. Brown

Robert H. Brown, lovingly known as “Rabbit,” passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Portland, Maine, at the age of 89.

Born on November 23, 1935, in St. Albans, Vermont, Robert was one of five children born to Harold and Elizabeth Brown. It was in his hometown that he met the love of his life, his high school sweetheart Jolly Jean MacArthur. Unbeknownst to them at the time, their families had been long intertwined by small-town Vermont roots. They married in 1956 and soon welcomed two daughters.

The young family moved to Connecticut, when their girls were infants, after Robert was transferred through his job with the railroad. In Vermont Robert joined the National Guard as and proudly continued his service after the family moved to Connecticut for ten years. He later began a long and fulfilling career as a mechanical designer at Electric Boat, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring at age 65.
Known as “Rabbit” since childhood, a nickname earned after being caught sneaking carrots from a neighbor’s garden, Robert developed a lifelong love of gardening. He proudly tended his vegetable beds and loved sharing the harvest with friends and neighbors.
Robert’s true pride and joy was his family. He and Jolly built their home in Old Lyme, Connecticut, where they raised their daughters with unwavering devotion. He was a hands-on father and grandfather who never missed an opportunity to bring joy to his loved ones. He even built a backyard baseball field for his grandchildren and shared a passion for sports, particularly the Boston Red Sox. Together, he and Jolly coached Little League and helped start a girls’ softball league in their community.
Following Jolly Jean’s passing in 2018, Robert continued to be surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren. He had a boundless sense of humor and a heart that always made room for more.
Robert was also deeply committed to his faith and community. He was an active member of the Lions Club, the mens club of Christ the King Parish in Old Lyme, and the Knights of Columbus through St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough, where he worshiped faithfully.
Above all, Robert considered raising his family his greatest accomplishment.
He is survived by his daughters, Vicki McOsker and her husband Dan, and Patti D’Ambrosio and her husband Marshall; his grandchildren, Erin, Derek, Ryan, Haley, Ashley, and Nicole; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Shirley Baker, and brother, George Brown.He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jolly Jean (MacArthur) Brown; his brothers, Charles and James Brown; and his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, July 21, 2025 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Maine Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimers Association.