Columbus, OH — Robert “Brownie” James Brown, 91, of Butler passed away peacefully Jan. 12, at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Cabot, Pa.

He was born March 30, 1929, in Pittsburgh, and was the son of the late Harold James Brown and the late Marie Bradle Brown.

Mr. Brown was a sergeant with the City of Pittsburgh Police Detective Division. He retired in 1976, after being shot in the line of duty during an armed robbery. He also co-owned his own horse business, “Brown, Brown, Callihan Stables,” with his son, Terry, and his dearly departed friend, Bernard “Bean” Callihan.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served two tours in the Korean War, earning the rank of master sergeant, and received numerous military awards including the Purple Heart.

Mr. Brown was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1, the Chicora Moose Lodge 962, Chicora American Legion Post 642, and the United States Trotting Association.

Mr. Brown was a true friend to many. He was an extremely hardworking, humble man, and his advice was often sought out by both friends and family. He never turned his back on anyone in need.

He was highly respected by his police and horse-racing colleagues, and he had a reputation for embracing any challenge and finding a solution. Mr. Brown always said the best thing he ever did was, “Move my family from the city to the country.” He enjoyed farming, breeding, raising and training horses, big band dances and helping others.

Mr. Brown is survived by four sons, Patrick (Chrissi) Brown of Rochester, Pa., Timothy (Rita) Brown of Strawberry Plains, Tenn., Terry (Stacey) Brown of Prospect, and Art (Debbie) Vogel of Butler; two daughters, Colleen (Joe) Urish of Butler, and Dr. Kathleen Brown of Carlisle, Pa.; five grandchildren, Sean (Kelsey) Brown, Dylan (Allison) Brown, Ashley (fiancé Chris Shaw) Brown, Brady Brown and Dr. Brittany (John) Bielewicz; his great-grandchildren, Alexa Shaw and Sophia Marie Brown; two nieces, Amy Hirsch and Cathy Boyd; and five nephews, Don, Billy and Mike Betz, and Jim and Bob Brown.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Mildred Brown, whom he married Oct. 29, 1955, and who passed away Nov. 24, 2012; one brother, Bill Brown; and one sister, Eileen Betz.

The family extends its deep gratitude to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, who provided phenomenal care to Mr. Brown.

There will be no public visitation for Mr. Brown. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday (Jan. 18) at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, PA.

Officers and members of VFW Post No. 249, American Legion Post No. 117, and American Legion Post No. 778 will conduct military honors after the service at the church.

Due to COVID-19 state regulations, masks must be worn and please adhere to social distancing.

Burial will take place in the Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora.

Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler, PA.

Online condolences may be made at www.thompson-miller.com.