Lawrence M. Brown

Lawrence Larry M. Brown, Master Chief Musician USN Ret., 71, of 20 Casey Drive, Middletown, RI, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer for over 12 years, peacefully passed away Monday, May 10, 2010 with his loving family by his side.He was the beloved husband of Constance B. Yates Brown.Born in Waterville, ME on December 28, 1938, he was the son of the late Lawrence M. and Sadie Williams Brown. He was a cornet/trumpet player from age 6. After graduating from Waterville HS, he joined the US Navy and attended the Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C., soon graduating to Bandmaster. During his 24-year service with the Navy, performing throughout the world, he led five separate Navy bands, including NAVSUBBASE New London, COMNAVMARIANAS, Guam, and Navy Band Newport. Upon retiring from the Navy, he became the renowned piano technician in the area and was with the Newport Music Festival for over 25 years. He was a member of the Piano Technicians Guild, served as President, and a Master Piano Technician. He also served as president of the Portsmouth Lions Club, was a member of the VFW and Ret. Navy Musicians Association, and was a Free Mason for 40 years. Larry also formed the popular 17 piece Swinglane Orchestra twelve years ago, performing big band and jazz music throughout the area, and putting on many benefits for local charities, sharing his love for music to help others. The Swinglane Orchestra will continue on. Music was his life. He loved entertaining, and always had a ready smile for everyone. Along with music, he loved to cook and was known as a great chef among family and friends. Besides his wife of 51 years, he is survived by his children, Larry D. Brown of Middletown, RI, and Jeffrey W. Brown and Laurie S. Ferreira of Portsmouth, RI, his brother Richard A. Brown of Sydney, ME, his sister Shirley Dreyer of Hanover, Pennsylvania, and his grandchildren, Timothy J. Ferreira and Gregory L. Ferreira of Portsmouth, RI, and Jordan B. Brown of Middletown, RI. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at the Chapel of Hope, 1172 Vaughan Ave, Newport Naval Base, Newport, on Monday, May 17th at 2:00pm.