Robert "Breezy" Bryce Brown

Robert Bryce "Breezy" Brown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Country Rest Home in Greenwood, DE.  If you called him Robert, you did not know him.  Growing up in Sussex County, DE, he was known as Bryce though out his childhood.  Unbeknownst to his classmates in high school, when they started referring to him as "Breezy", that would be the name he carried for the rest of his life.

Breezy was born on September 28, 1942, to Oscar E. "Brownie" and Betty Beach Brown.  Just like his hometown of Delmar is too big for one state, Breezy was a large and loud force that couldn't be contained.  His mischief and antics never ran out.  His laughter spilled over to anyone in his presence.

Breezy attended Delmar High School before graduating from Goldey Beacom College in 1961.  He felt so honored in 1982 when he was inducted into Goldey's Distinguished Alumni Gallery.

Breezy went on to work for the State of Delaware Auditors Office, and retired in 1996 as Chief Administrative Auditor.  He was a dedicated public servant that was recognized by receiving the distinguished Governors Diamond Award in 1983.

In 1984, Breezy joined the Board of Directors at Del-One Federal Credit Union.  In 1995, he became treasurer which he held that seat until his retirement.  He received the distinguished Volunteer of the Year award in 2010 from the Delaware Credit Union League.  Breezy's 35 year dedication to the Credit Union was acknowledged in 2020 by them creating the Breezy Brown Service Award which is handed out yearly.  As a special nod to him, Del-One named their virtual assistant after him.  When he found out, Breezy would make family members call into Del-One so he could hear Breezy, the virtual assistant, talk to him.

Some will fondly remember Breezy starting B&B Accounting and Tax Services from the back of a camper in Smyrna, DE before moving the business to his first and only home he fondly called "Browntown" in 1970.  He retired from the tax business in 2013 after 51 years.

When his father O.E. passed away in 2005, a legacy torch was passed to Breezy as he became sole owner of Brownies Package Store in Delmar, DE which his father owned and operated for 50 years prior.

Breezy could never sit still and loved to drive around aimlessly a.k.a. being nosey.  So in 2015, he started driving the wives of his Amish friends so they could run errands.  After the ladies quickly learned of Breezy's sweet tooth, delicious desserts could always be found on the counter at Browntown, half eaten before they arrived home to Penny.  He was often accused that he asked to be paid in desserts instead of money.

He lived 1,000 years in the 81 years we had with him.  Throughout his life, he could be found hunting rabbit with his beagle dogs, in a muddy marsh duck hunting or in a field hunting geese.  He raised chickens, goats, ducks, geese and a horse or two.  He attended many local Turkey Shoots and seemed  to always win several meat prizes to bring home.   Penny often tracked him down at the horse races where he loved to watch his dear friends race their horses.  He loved to dance and was very good at it although there were times we thought he swung or twirled Penny right out the door.   Every summer, he loaded his family up in the camper and spent many hours surf fishing the Outer Banks, NC or staying local at the Indian River Inlet.  When he had down time he could be found drawing wildlife or painting duck decoys.  In later years, he drove his golf cart all around Browntown checking the mail, filling bird feeders and blowing a boat horn at the geese so he wouldn't get in trouble with Penny when she found goose poop under the clothesline.  He could be found every morning parked in front of Wawa, in the handicap parking spot, drinking his coffee or frozen Coke, reading the newspaper or napping.  And we all know he loved to share a good dirty joke or two.

Breezy was a founding member of the Delaware Mobile Surf Fisherman's Association (DMS) that is still active today.  He was a member of that Maple Dale Country Club where he often played golf with his two best friends, Rick Collins and Gene Lankford.  He fondly referred to them and his self as the Three Musketeers.  Breezy also cherished the time he spent playing golf with his son, Ryan.  Following in his grandfather's footsteps, he became a Master Mason with Union Lodge #7.  He also remained a member of the Elks Lodge #1903 and American Legion Post #2.  Breezy was very proud to be appointed by Governor Ruth Ann Minner to serve on the Delaware Harness Racing Commission which he served 6 years from 2013 to 2019.

Breezy gave his heart, not his eyes to Penny Hudson when he married her 59 years ago.  He had a cool son, Ryan Brown, and a crazy daughter, Lori Brown Hutson (Bob).  Two apple of his eye granddaughters, Jordan Landon (Matt Dilanni) and Kayla Hutson Maza (Johel).  His legacy will live on with his five great grand grandchildren, Evan, Mia, Sullivan, Olivia, and Bianca.   He could not do life without his lifelong friend Gene Lankford and favorite partner in crime, Mary Hecker.

Per Breezy's request, there will be no service but a celebration of life which will be announced soon at later time.  The family encourages you to do one of his favorite hobbies today, please go fishing, feed the birds, or eat some Thrasher fries.  Definitely get a frozen Coke with those fries.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.