Roland Gene Brown (1936-2017)

Roland Gene Brown, 80, retired Ridley High School teacher died Monday, February 20, 2017 at home surrounded by family and friends. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Cecil Lorenzo Brown and Elizabeth May Paisley. He was a long-time resident of Ridley Park before moving to Woodlyn.

Roland was a graduate of Hazleton High School and West Chester State Teacher's College where he received a Masters in Education. Roland was an Army veteran who played saxophone in the Army band. While in the army, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Lorraine Gross. They have been married for 62 years.

As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roland served as the Media Branch President, Bishop of the Broomall First Ward, and Patriarch of the Philadelphia and Valley Forge Stakes for 23 years. He and Beverly served as temple workers in the LDS Washington, DC Temple for 12 years.

Roland enjoyed creating intricate scrollwork which he frequently turned into clocks. He was a gifted music director, poet, and published author.

Roland is predeceased by his son Roland Gene Brown, Jr. (1970), and a grandson Jared Curtis Brown (1989). Roland is survived by his wife Beverly, his children: Jeffry (Dawnita) Brown of Woodlyn; David (Deborah) Brown of San Antonio, Texas; Julia B. Vance (Don) of Payson, Utah; Jason M. Brown of Woodlyn; Jessica B. Kline (Edwin) of Folsom; Justin M. Brown (Lisa) of Milbank, South Dakota; Joylyn B. Denna (Paul) of Big Stone City, South Dakota; 30 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren.

A memorial service to be held Monday, February 27, at 10 AM (receiving line starting at 9 AM) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 721 Paxon Hollow Rd. in Broomall, Pennsylvania.

In Lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to a charity of your choice.