ROCHESTER - Stephen Roy Brown, a Navy Veteran of Rochester, NH, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026 at Mass General following a courageous battle with cancer with his wife and three daughters by his side.
Born on November 20, 1953, in Rochester, NH to the late Clarence and Harriet (Chase) Brown. Steve was a graduate of Spaulding High School, class of 1973. Steve met his soulmate, Kathy Berube, during freshman year of high school. Steve and Kathy would have celebrated 53 years of marriage on September 23, 2026.
Steve enlisted into the US Navy on delayed entry in February of 1973. He served as a boiler technician on the Aircraft Carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV - 63), where he visited ports of call including Subic Bay Philippines, Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Hawaii, North Island and Bremerton Washington. He became a Shellback while crossing the equator. He was Honorably Discharged on July 19, 1977.
Steve married the love of his life, Kathy Berube, on September 23, 1973. They raised 3 daughters Jennifer, BethAnn, and Stephanie. Steve worked as a boiler technician at Spaulding Fiber and Pratt & Whitney for a total of 45 years. Steve was in the cub and boy scouts. He was also an avid New England Sports fan, a Nascar fan, a hunter, a fisherman, and loved his garden. He also loved to watch the wild life around his property either in person or on his many trail cams.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Kathy. His 3 daughters, Jenn (Matt) Hurrinus and Beth Neal, both of NH, Stephanie (Ed) Chase of AL. Nine granchildren Savannah, Dallas, Jonathan, Brooklyn (Steve), Ben, Chris, Ed, Adrianna and Rene. One great grandson DJ. His sister Alice Brown of VA. In-laws Lynne Berube (Josh & Bri), Michael and Janet Berube (Michael II), Robin and Denis Langlois (Nicolette) his brother from another mother. A bonus daughter Kristy Wallingford-Ayers. Life long friends Don Huppe and Brian Mallett, as well as his nieces, nephews, and many cousins and grand pets Hiccup, Roccy, Patrick and Toby.
Steve was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Harriet (Chase) Brown. His in-laws Robert and Norma (Place) Berube. Many aunts and uncles, his niece Emily Mallett and his nephew Robert A. Berube II.
A New Hampshire Press Association member