Augustus Anthony Brown

Augustus Anthony Brown was born on September 16, 1927, in the beautiful island of Jamaica, to Letitia Bygrave and Franklyn Brown. He went home to be with the Lord on Saturday December 23, 2017. As a child he attended Bethel Baptist Church, Church Road, Bog Walk, Jamaica, W.I. with his mother where he actively served. As a young man he was joined in marriage with Francella Joyce Brown (Betty) who predeceased him. Their union produced eight children. In his youthful years, family and friends referred to him as “Gumbs,” while Francella affectionately called him “G” and he affectionately called her “B”. Augustus attended St, Peter Claver Primary School in Kingston, Jamaica, and later went on to United Estates School and became a certified Electrician in the U.S. His qualifications earned him a position as foreman for Alcan Jamaica Limited, Nestle Condensed Milk Factory and Jamaica Citrus Growers Limited. The political and economic climate was changing in Jamaica so he realized with eight children it would be a challenge for them to achieve their chosen career goals in a failing economy. Therefore, Augustus and his wife Francella, decided in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s to move their entire family to the United States of America seeking better opportunities for their children. While in the United States he decided to change his career field to the Plumbing and Steamfitting, so he attended Apex Technical School to sharpen his skills and become certified in that field. In his desire for career and economic advancement, he attended Apex Technical Institute, New York, NY. Upon graduation, he became a member of the Steamfitters Union Local #638. During that era of the late 1960's, Augustus was one of the few black admitted into the Steamfitters Union Local #638 in the early 70’s, where he worked until his retirement. Augustus was an exceptionally skilled Steamfitter who repaired and installed hundreds of boilers in his lifetime. During his career he was a contributing member to construction teams involved in the building of monumental structures such as the World Trade Center and the AT&T buildings in NYC. His career expanded beyond his regular job. He became a mentor and teacher to younger men affording them opportunities to develop and acquire marketable skills in plumbing and construction. Augustus, “Gumbs”, was kindhearted, sharing, caring, compassionate and always helping others, especially those in need of heat for their homes. In his East New York neighborhood, he was known as Papa, Mr. Brown, or the “king” of the community. He was well respected and loved. He took pride in cooking, feeding, and entertaining those around him while imparting wisdom to the younger generation in the community. He will be remembered for his smiling face, his kindness, his generosity and his zeal for life. Mr. Augustus Anthony “Gumbs” Brown loved and cherished his family. He is survived by: his brother Lloyd Grant & wife Olga of Jamaica NY, his children Audrey, Anthony, Joan Martin, Horace & wife Lorna, Maxine & husband Jesse, Robert, Andrew & wife Marvia, and Andrea Brown. His grandchildren: Saralee King, Grace Santiago & Krystal Brown, Ateeba & Adekoya Brown, Jehan (Gigi) Keshia & Joanna Martin, Kareem& Jason Hamilton-Brown, Jonathan Whalen, Robert (Bobby)& Omar Brown, Greg & Patrice Barrett and a host of great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and his beloved Brooklyn community to mourn his loss. He will be sorely missed.

Augustus Anthony Brown

September 16, 1927 - December 23, 2017