WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's ChoiceEdward Ernest Brownell

SALISBURY, Md. - Edward Ernest Brownell died January 24, 2012 after a brief illness. He was born in Randolph Center, VT on November 19, 1921, the son of Edward Charles and Freda Degenring Brownell.

He is survived by his daughter Karen and her husband Roland Leimann of Salisbury, son Kevin and his wife Lyn of Stuttgart, AR; grandsons, Kevin Jr., Triston and Chance of Stuttgart; step-grandson John Leimann and his wife Carole of Mechanicsville, VA.; step-great grandchildren Abby and Jack, of Mechanicsville; sister Kathryn Gamache of Jackson, NJ; brother-in-law Donald Boss and his wife Jean of Bluffton, SC; brother-in-law James Bowler of St. Albans, VT; and several cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Marjorie, last February; his brother-in-law Lawrence Gamache; brother-in-law Robert Boss and his wife Marian; his sister-in-law Janet Bowler; and a nephew Donald Boss, Jr.

Mr. Brownell graduated from Hillside (NJ) High School in 1939. Upon his graduation he worked as an electrician. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ed enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as an Electrician's Mate second Class. While serving aboard the minesweeper YMS 303, he participated in the Anzio invasion and the invasion of Southern France. He was transferred to the submarine service, in the Pacific theater, and was preparing for the invasion of Japan when the war ended.

Upon his honorable discharge, he enrolled at the University of Vermont and became a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. It was during that time that he met, fell in love and married his wife, Marjorie, on September 18, 1948. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, in 1950. The two soon moved to New Jersey where employment waited for Edward with Western Electric, a subsidiary of AT&T. It was there that their children were born and raised. During his time in South Plainfield, he was a member of the Plainfield Area Jaycees, was involved in the PTA, organizational member of the Taxpayers Association for Good Schools and served on the Board of Education.

After 26 years in NJ, Ed was transferred to Little Rock, AR. While in Arkansas, he earned his Master's degree in Organizational Management from the University of Arkansas, and was an avid fan of University of AR football. He also became a member of the Knights of Columbus. Once again, Ed was transferred after nearly ten years to southwestern VA. They soon became fans of "Hokie" sports, where Marge served on the women's basketball booster club. They moved to Salisbury in May of 1999. He was a member of Institute for Retired Persons at SU and St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, where he was a 4th degree Knight.

Friends may call at Holloway Funeral Home on Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00PM. A funeral mass will be held On Monday at 11:00 at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore or to St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.hollowayfh.com.