Patrick Joseph Brown
March 11, 1945 - May 10, 2025
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/1253/482439/MwzBuyTMRfJGsJBRBrownpic.png)
Patrick Joseph Brown
Patrick Joseph Brown, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Suzette; his daughters, Katherine Brown and her husband, Clay Savely, and Kelly Turner and her husband, Bradley Turner; and his granddaughter, Lilyana Savely. He also leaves behind his sister, Elizabeth Mullins, and her husband, Jim Mullins; his father-in-law, George Pennell; and his brother-in-law, Mark Pennell, and his wife Martha Pennell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Brown and Josephine Daly Brown; his sister, Margaret Arnold; and his favorite uncle, Mick, from whom he received his nickname, “Mickey.”
Pat was born at Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Lackawanna, NY and attended St. John the Evangelist Grammar School and Timon High School. He was very proud of the fact that he was 100% Irish and his mother emigrated from Ireland to the United States at the age of 16. He earned his degree in Electrical Technology from Erie County Technical Institute, and started at IBM in Endicott, NY in August of 1964. He then served his country in the Army National Guard for six years. Pat moved to Raleigh, NC in 1975 to continue his 30+ years doing both software and hardware debugging with IBM, until he retired, at which time he was a contractor with IBM, followed by starting his own web design company, Webs4you. In 1982, he met the love of his life, Suzette, at IBM, and they married in 1985. Their love spanned 40 years, raising two daughters, caring for their beloved cats, traveling, and enjoying time with friends and family.
Pat was, above all, a family man. As a husband, he was a true partner: steadfast and supportive. He and Suzette shared a deep bond built on love, trust, and quality time. Every evening, rain, shine, or snow, they would share “happy hour” outside with a glass of red wine and a cigar for Pat, commiserating about their work and swapping stories. This tradition spoke volumes about their commitment to savoring life together no matter what.
As a father, Pat was gentle, playful, and deeply proud of his daughters, Katherine and Kelly. Though he carried a tough exterior, the kind that came with a firm handshake and a no-nonsense look, anyone who truly knew him understood he was a softie at heart. Beneath that rugged shell was a man who cried at every wedding (especially his daughters'), laughed easily, and loved deeply. Watching Katherine and Kelly each walk down the aisle last year was one of the greatest joys of his life, moments he spoke about to anyone who would listen and with a full heart.
Becoming a grandfather, aka “Poppy,” to Lilyana brought him tremendous happiness. His eyes would light up every time he got a visit or FaceTime from her.
Pat was also a loving son, a caring brother, and a loyal friend. He cultivated friendships that lasted decades.
He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life: sunny days on the boat, time at the pool with family and friends, and lively pickleball matches that brought out his competitive spirit and infectious grin. Friends envied his serve, and he loved helping fellow players. He was especially proud watching his wife and friends compete and do well (he cried then, too). Whether he was driving his boat on Falls Lake, enjoying a cigar, or serving up a winning shot (or watching one of his pickleball icons at a tournament get the win), Pat was in his element when he was active, outdoors, and surrounded by those he loved. Pat also enjoyed staying in and watching TV; some of his favorite things to watch were reruns of The Andy Griffith Show, Christmas movies (even in July), My Cousin Vinny, Shane and other classic films, and Buffalo Bills football games.
Pat was also a builder at heart: both of homes and memories. He designed the Brown family home in Raleigh, overseeing each detail with care and vision. Later, he added a sunroom and spacious closet, tailoring the house to grow with the family he loved. He and Suzette poured their hearts into the home and yard, spending spring through fall planting flowers, trimming shrubs, and turning their outdoor space into a haven of joy and color. Pat was deeply proud of what they built together, and their home became a backdrop of countless cherished moments.
Over the years, Pat followed his passions wherever they led, from deep dives into computer and web design, to creating wooden puzzles, to elaborate miniature train setups, especially at Christmas time, his favorite time of year! He joined a bowling league where his competitive spirit thrived. Whether it was tech, trains, or tenpins, Pat loved to learn, tinker, and create!
Pat lived his life with heart and intention. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, and living well will live on in the many lives he touched.
The family will receive friends and family on June 20 from 3–5 PM at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615. Military honors will be rendered at 4 PM in recognition of Pat’s service in the Army National Guard. The celebration will be followed by an Irish wake at the Brown family home beginning at 5:30 PM. Family and friends are encouraged to wear bright colors in honor of Pat’s joyful spirit and love for pickleball.
Services
A Gathering of Friends and Family
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Photos & Video
Add New Photos & Video
Condolences
-
June 20, 2025
Suzette and family, Lee and I were so sad to hear about Pat's passing. He was a great guy and a fabulous husband and father. I know your memories will keep him in your hearts forever. Lee and Judy Douglas
-
/religious/cross.jpg)
June 12, 2025
Suzette, George, Katherine, Kelly, Lily , Brad & Clay, family & friends , We are so saddened about Pat's passing. We love you 😘 Sincere condolences as we continue to live with our memories. Over all the years we enjoyed boating, playing games- even in the hospital , traveling to Busch Gardens, loved going with Pat he always knew right where to go.. had the map in his head & off we would all go!! That van served us all well!! We got yearly passes & went numerous times for years. Enjoyed meals & sharing & raising our children together. School functions , dances, concerts, weddings, parades, birthdays, parties, times of life celebrations. Pat shared life with us & us with them. Pat liked to have things just right & if it was not to his liking .. he would continue to tell you. Eventually, on to something else:) put that to bed!! I remember his trains & his wood working capabilities- very high quality. Precise & had to have every kind of tool. His train was huge & very enjoyable-when he shopped he was looking for a specific piece/s .. looked until he found it. Now days with Amazon / internet you can find almost anything..he loved those Hallmark automated animals / people / Gadgets .. another thing Pat could do was Websites.. he helped me for years. In this area one of the 1st realtors to have a website.. Pat produced it. Pat really was an all around kind of guy, thinker & doer. We are so glad we got to spend some time with him at the end.. even as weak & difficult to breathe that Friday night .. night before he passed he told me he loved me. That was Pat - just wanted the love of family & friends around & he was happy. We take love with us. 💐🙌🙏💕 Until we meet again Pat .. be Heaven bound .. I believe & Pat did too .. He is in Heaven 🙌🙏💐 Love Marguerite, Steve & Steven
-
June 10, 2025
Suzette, so sorry to hear about Pat. What a beautiful and moving obituary. How much he was loved and will be missed shines through. Next time I play pickleball I will whack (dink?) some balls in memory of him. Candy
-
June 10, 2025
Patrick was my friend for many years he would come in to Bada every Wednesday I had so much fun with him.. while Suzette was playing games with her friends I would tease him and say she was with her boyfriend and we would laugh together
-
June 10, 2025
Hi Suzette, my heart still really breaks for you. You & Pat had such a long & beautiful life together. The photo that you selected to post for about him is the best one that I've seen! I'll continue praying🙏
-
June 09, 2025
Suzette, I am very sad to hear of the loss of Pat. Although it's been years since I've seen you, I have enjoyed keeping up with your family through social media. Prayers for your comfort and these sweet memories bring you peace.
-
/religious/dove.jpg)
June 09, 2025
Suzette we are heartbroken over this news. We will be at the wake next Friday to honor your wonderful husband. Bob and Krista Bizzell
Add a Candle or Spiritual Image
Click below to add to your message.
/candles/candle-blue-unlit.gif "CANDLE_BLUE")
/candles/candle-green-unlit.gif "CANDLE_GREEN")
/candles/candle-lavender-unlit.gif "CANDLE_LAVENDER")
/candles/candle-orange-unlit.gif "CANDLE_ORANGE")
/candles/candle-pink-unlit.gif "CANDLE_PINK")
/candles/candle-red-unlit.gif "CANDLE_RED")
/candles/candle-white-unlit.gif "CANDLE_WHITE")
/candles/candle-yellow-unlit.gif "CANDLE_YELLOW")
/religious/cross-bible.jpg "CROSS_BIBLE")
/religious/cross-draped.jpg "CHURCH_DRAPED")
/religious/cross-raised.jpg "CROSS_RAISED")
/religious/fish.jpg "FISH")
/religious/church.jpg "CHURCH")
/religious/torah.jpg "TORAH")
/religious/crescent-star.jpg "CRESCENT_STAR")
/religious/yin-yang.jpg "YIN_YANG")
/religious/chalice.jpg "CHALICE")
/religious/ten-commandments.jpg "TEN_COMMANDMENTS")
/religious/david-star.jpg "DAVID_STAR")
/religious/menorah.jpg "MENORAH")
/religious/crescent-quran.jpg "CRESCENT_QURAN")
/religious/crescent-mosque.jpg "CRESCENT_MOSQUE")
Useful Links
Add Your Useful Link
Contact Us to have your link and message added here.
Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.
