Obituary of Eldridge J. Brown

Eldridge John “Brownie” Brown retired co-owner and president of Watertown Iron Works passed away on Sunday night, February 19, 2017 at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was 89 years old. Brownie was and raised in Gloucester. He was the son of the late Eben and Anna Brown. He graduated from Gloucester High School and then attended Wentworth Institute of Technology. Brownie worked as a steel fabricator. He started with Standard Steel in Watertown starting as an apprentice and working his way to shop foreman. After 38 years with the company, he and a partner purchased the company and renamed it Watertown Iron works. Eldridge acted as President of the company from 1979 until his retirement in 1992. The company fabricated ornamental iron structures as well as railings, handicap stairs and ramps, fire escapes and steel supports. He has done iron work all over the Boston area including a 2 and ½ year project at Rose Wharf and displays at the Museum of Science. Brownie employed 10 to 15 employees, one of whom was his son Bob. He really enjoyed teaching his son the trade, how to oversee projects, and working along him on a daily basis. Brownie had numerous interests outside of work. He was a longtime member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus where he was Third and Fourth Degree member. He enjoyed participating and volunteering in their many charitable events and socials including Fourth of July Parades, Minstrel Shows, Costume Parties, Bowling League, and Big Band Dances. He was an avid Boater. He kept his boat, the Sonny B’s at the Danversport Yacht Club for many years. He also was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he performed safety inspections. He loved traveling with his wife Barbara. They drove cross country seeing all the historical and notable landmarks in the United States. The traveled to Australia and New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Greece, and several cruises to the Caribbean. He really enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles. When he finished a puzzle, he would glue all the pieces together and display the finished puzzles in his basement like paintings. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing the accordion. Brownie also had a great sense of humor and a laugh that filled the room. Brownie was the beloved and caring husband of 68 years of Barbara J. (Bastion). Loving father of Robert & his wife Colleen of Wilmington, Judie Gould & her husband Eric of Rochester, NH, and Jane Joyce of Billerica & her partner Frank McManus. Brother of Florence (Brown) Doucette of Taunton and late Katherine (Brown) Parker. Proud grandfather of Heidi Huggins, Darren Brown, Holly Stewart, Becky Gibbs, Daniel & Michael Florek and Brian & Kevin Joyce. Great grandfather of Bella, Stevie, Eben, Faith, Kayla, Ava, Connor, Claire, Addison, Payton, and two more soon to arrive. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 11 a.m. and will conclude with an interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Brownie’s name may be made to the K of C Exceptional Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 25, Burlington, MA 01803.