Robert A. Brown, 79, of Southborough, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 26, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife, Irene, with whom he would have celebrated 57 years of marriage on June 6th, 2011, and their children; Ellen McFarland and her husband Wayne of Oxford, MA; David Brown and his wife Deborah of Marlborough, MA; Leslie Kendall and her husband John of Southborough, MA; Kristen Merritt of Nashua, NH; Cynthia Branchaud and her husband Andre of Mendon, MA. Their 15 grandchildren: Jennifer Kelley; Kimberly Lincoln; Christopher, Matthew, David Brown, Lindsay Yancey; Robin, Nathan, and Kerry Kendall; Michele, Courtney, Travis and Tyler Merritt, Danielle and Jamas Branchaud; and 6 great-grandchildren: Meghan, Hunter, Carrie, Haleigh, Deremy, and Kendall; and several nieces and nephews. Robert was born on July 7th, 1931 in Hopedale, MA and was the 3rd of 7 children born to Ralph and Esther Brown. He was predeceased by his brother Horace Brown and sister Leah Higgins, and is survived by his brother Ralph Brown, and his sisters: Frances Bulger, Esther McKenzie, and Adelaide Forbes. Robert proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a jack of all trades' working in the textile industry at Draper Corp. in Hopedale, MA for over 25 years and then Thomas Taylor Corp in Hudson, MA. Robert also worked in the maintenance department of Fay School in Southborough, MA for 10 years, retiring in 1996. During his lifetime Robert was an active member of the Federated Church Of Ashland, serving as chair of the church council for many years. Most recently, Robert retired as head usher after over 40 years and earned the Order Barnabus Award' for his service. Robert was also a dedicated member of Grange for over 60 years and held several offices including master (president) of the local Grange. In addition, Robert also dedicated many years of service to 4H Camp Middlesex and served the local community as a volunteer firefighter with the Southborough Fire Department for over 30 years. In his spare time, Robert enjoyed vacationing at his cottage in Raymond, NH, playing cards and board games, telling jokes, gardening, and spending time with his friends, family and dogs. Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours, which will be held at Matarese Funeral Home located at 325 Main Street in Ashland, MA from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2011. Funeral services to be held at The Federated Church Of Ashland located at 118 Main Street at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Burial will follow at the Southborough Rural Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to 4H Camp Middlesex, P.O. Box 185, Ashby, MA, 01431.