Robert T. Brown, PhD 1941 - 2008

BROWN, GIEHM

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/20/2019 at 16:27:56

Sioux City Journal
20 November 2008

MANCHESTER, Conn. -- Robert T. Brown, PhD, 67, of Manchester, formerly of Sioux City, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 at Hartford (Conn.) Hospital.

Services will be 11 a.m., Saturday at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester. Burial will be private and at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, at Watkins Funeral Home, Manchester. The online guestbook is located at www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com.

Robert was born March 6, 1941 in Sioux City, the son of the late William and Dorothy Brown. He graduated from East High School in 1959. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Giehm, on June 15, 1963. Robert received a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University in 1963 and a PhD degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University in 1970. He was awarded the Eckert Prize from Stanford University for the outstanding PhD dissertation in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

From 1963 to 1965 he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Artillery. Robert moved to Manchester in 1969. He was a member of the Technical Staff at United Technologies Research Center, East Hartford, Conn. for 30 years, serving as Research Team Member and as Principle Investigator on various programs involving the development and application of advanced lasers and electro-optic systems. From 1994 through 1999, he served as Principle Investigator and Program Manager for UTRC's Precision Laser Machining Program. Since 1999, Robert worked as a private consultant in the fields of laser system development and the application of laser technology to the manufacturing process.

Over his career Robert authored several papers, patents, book chapters, and books. Robert was actively involved in his community. He served as a Big Brother, Cub Master, Interfaith Basketball League Commissioner, Sunday school teacher, and youth group leader. Most recently he became a licensed HAM radio operator and a volunteer with the Manchester Community Emergency Response Team.

Robert was active in his church. He served on various committees, sang in the church choir, and was a shelter volunteer. Robert enjoyed playing the guitar and trombone, playing tennis, hiking, kayaking, and cross country skiing, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his wife Joyce; his son and daughter-in-law Eric and Jennifer Brown and their children, Adam, Matthew, and Abigail of New Fairfield, Conn.; his other son and daughter-in-law Darren and Amy Brown and their children Madison and Jack of Tolland, Conn.; his sister and brother-in-law Jean and Dick Calvert of Algonquin, Ill.; and his brother Wallace Brown of Las Vegas, Nev.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Manchester Community Emergency Response Team, c/o Don Janelle, 75 Center St., Manchester, CT 06040 or to the Emanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 60 Church St., Manchester, CT 06040.