Ernest J. Brown

Ernest John Brown, 95, of Irwin, formerly of Smithton, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, with his loving daughter and sister by his side. He was born July 5th, 1929, in Van Meter, a son of the late Eugene and Estella (Toth) Brown and was also preceded in death by his sisters Olga King and Frieda Greene-Kutch, brothers Elmer Brown and George Brown, a nephew John Greene, and a niece Mary Ellen Rechichar-Yanacci. He was a proud graduate of Rostraver High School. After high school, he served 4 years in the United States Air Force, trained as an electrician. During his time in the service in Tokyo, he was a pitcher for one of the Japanese baseball teams. After serving his country, he was employed at Universal Cyclops and then Anchor Hocking. Afterwards, he worked out of the country until his retirement in the early 2000s. He worked in Venezuela for a short time, Indonesia for 17 years, and also Saudi Arabia for 11 years. From his travels, he spoke 5 languages in his life: English, Spanish, Indonesian, Japanese, and Hungarian. He was known for his corny jokes and stories that he would tell to anyone who would listen. He loved baseball, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, and WWE Wrestling. He cared very much for his family and looked forward to annual family reunions. He is survived by his loving daughter Lisa Marie Brown of Irwin who was always by his side, son Thomas G. Brown of Greensburg, grandchildren Lindsay N. Westwood (fiancé Joshua Castelveter) of Coraopolis, Jacob P. Westwood of Irwin, Sara Brown and Thomas Brown both of Illinois, sisters Helen Shott of Ruffsdale and Mary Rechichar (Lenny) of Arizona, brother Frank (Dee) Brown of Indiana, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Walden’s View and Tabitha, as well as Muriel, his hospice nurse for his end of life care. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main St, Irwin. The family requests no flowers. Those wishing may make a contribution to an animal shelter of choice. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

Ernest J. Brown

July 5, 1929 - April 24, 2025