Richard James Brown

Richard James Brown, 62, of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, following a courageous, years-long battle with cancer that over time diminished his body but never his enduring spirit, his sense of humor that made rooms erupt into laughter, or his deep love for family, friends and his dogs, Molly and Lucy. Born to Walter and Claire Brown on December 27, 1954, Ricky was a standout athlete at Spaulding High. A member of the baseball and football teams, he became the first player in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards (1,013 in 1971). That year, he led the Red Raiders to a 9-0 record and the Division II championship. For 35 years, Ricky was married to Valerie (Ruel) Brown, with whom he had three children: Jon, Scott and Jenna. He was a family man who coached his kids' sports teams and, later in life, doted on his granddaughters, Emma and Graycee. In his final weeks of hospice care, Ricky, with help from friends, found the strength to get out of bed, wear a suit and see his daughter marry her husband, Adam Davis. Ricky's connections to Rochester sports ran deep. He played for the Tri-City Chargers, a semi-pro football team, and won state softball titles with Tee-Pee Sports (1979) and Tommy Atkins Pub (1982). He later coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball; he also coached midget football and the Little Red Raiders. A fine craftsman, Ricky owned and operated Brown & Horsch, which specialized in insulation and siding. In 2005, he volunteered his time and expertise to help families in New Orleans rebuild their homes after Hurricane Katrina. He also served on Spaulding's 1972 Class Reunion Committee, and belonged to the Elks Club and Club Victoire. Ricky is survived by his immediate family, Walter and Jan Brown, William Brown and Renee Dupuis, Linda and Greg Hoey, Joanne and Vern Merrihew. He will also be missed by Jon's significant other, Leah Williams; Scott's fianceé, Jaz Blanchette; and Valerie's family, including mother-in-law Jeannine Ruel, Gail and Gary Blindt, Linda Connelly, Sue and Gary Ballard, Diane and George Gowen, Julie and Mike Moody, and George Ruel. Ricky leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who won't forget his booming voice and warrior spirit. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Paul Hesketh at the Lahey Clinic, the Hyder House staff, and best friend Larry "Owl" Gagne. SERVICES: A wake will be held at Edgerly Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 3, from 4-7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Church on Lowell St. at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 4. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society.

Richard James Brown

December 27, 1954 - April 25, 2017