Kenneth A. Brown, Sr.

Kenneth A. Brown, Sr. (Pvt., SFD, Ret), 84, passed away at home on December 28, 2024 with his family by his side. He was the husband of Carol A. (Trombley) Brown for 62 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Charles and Fannie (Bradley) Brown.

Ken was a life member of the Georgiaville Volunteer Fire Company, having been accepted as a member in April 1956 at the age of 15. He began his professional career in the Smithfield Fire Department in December of 1971, retiring in January of 2004, after 48 years of fire service to the town of Smithfield. He was a member of the fire department’s honor guard, as well as a member of the Local 2050 IAFF. During his career, he received several Medals of Merit for outstanding bravery and leadership, to include the Stork Award for delivering a baby, which he was most proud.

In addition to Ken’s accomplishments with the fire department, he was the Smithfield Town Sergeant for several years, was a member of the Smithfield Police Departments Police Reserves for over 20 years, a charter member of the RI Red Knights Motorcycle Club, a member of the Smithfield Emergency Management, a member of the RI Professional Firefighters Pipe and Drums Honor Guard, a member of the Smithfield Senior Center, and a member of the American Legion Balfour Cole Post 64 in Smithfield.

A known historian, Ken always had a special interest in collecting and preserving Smithfield heritage through maps and photographs, co-publishing a book, “Images of America -Town of Smithfield” in 2008. In 2022, Ken was elected into the Smithfield Heritage Hall of Fame.

In his retirement, Ken enjoyed traveling with Carol to Alaska and Europe, among other places. His garage was his “happy place”, where he spent hours tinkering with small engine repair and repairing bicycles that he would later donate to local charities.

Besides his wife, Carol, he is survived by his daughter, Barbara LaMarre and her husband, Richard, his son, Kenneth Brown, Jr. (Cpt., SPD, Ret.) and his wife, Patricia, five grandchildren, Mallory Conde and her husband, Adam, Katie White and her husband, Daniel, Jacob LaMarre, Lauren LaMarre, and Joshua Brown, two great-grandchildren, Joseph Hoyle and Hunter White, his brother, C. Wayne Brown (Deputy Chief, SFD, Ret.) and his wife, Janette, and his sister-in-law, Genevieve Brown. He was the brother of the late Donald and Robert Brown.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11 am in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence. Burial will follow in Acotes Hill Cemetery, Chepachet. Calling hours Tuesday, January 7th from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Smithfield Historical Society, 220 Stillwater Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917.