David J. Brown, Sr.

David Jonathan Brown, Sr., 63 of Philadelphia passed away on February 14, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

David Jonathan Brown, Sr., affectionately called Dave, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Donald Trent Brown, Sr. and Doris Gibbs Brown on December 31, 1954.  He attended West Philadelphia High School, he was on the Speedboys Basketball team along with the Philadelphia Free School.  He was a member of the Explorer Scouts in his teenage years. He graduated in 1972. 

David enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1972 and was honorably discharged as an E5 Sergeant in 1976.  He was a veteran of the Vietnam war and served in the Air Force as a missile mechanic. 

He married Carolyn Harmon Cephas on August 4, 1984 in Philadelphia, PA. Altogether, their love story spanned forty years.

During his 40-year tenure as a government employee, Dave held a number of positions and had many promotions. He was a Federal Grain Inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture in the Defense Supply Center of Philadelphia. He had many promotions as an employee of the US government Department of Defense before retiring in 2013 as Defense Support Personnel Center Assisted Section Chief, providing combat logistics support.

He was a member of Canaan Baptist Church and was awarded lifetime membership to Blacks in Government in 2001. He was recognized for his commitment to service, diversity, professionalism and creating equitable access to opportunities for Black government employees. Initiatives included outreach, recruitment, and engagement, both within the federal government, and to young people who might have interest in entering government positions. He also received a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama in 2013 upon his completion of 40 years of service to our nation.

David is preceded in death by his mother, Doris Gibbs Brown, his father, Donald T. Brown, Sr., and his brother, Dwayne.  

David is survived by his spouse, Carolyn; children Camille, David Jr., Gene, Marcella (Ariem); brothers Jamel (Jennifer), Dean and Donald, Jr.; sister, Darcel, grandchildren: Maielle, Madison, Gabriella, Cianne, Axanti, and Briana; nieces: Amalia, Felecia, Melissa, Diandra, and Dion; nephews: Donald Jr., Chris, J’air, Davion (Tiffany), and Devon.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the healthcare professionals at Penn Rittenhouse, the Veteran’s Administration center, and the Perelman Cancer center, as well as the other family, friends, members of the clergy and colleagues.

David's Memorial Service will be 10:30am sharp March 2, 2018 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, Pa. 18940. Please enter and proceed to the office on the left. We will form a car line at the point and proceed to the pavilion together. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Philadelphia Veteran’s Administration Hospice in David’s name. Please make check payable to Hero's Crossing/Hospice and mail to Philadelphia VA Medical Center attention hospice, 3900 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, Pa 19104.

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