Thomas F. Browne, 91, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday April 8, 2012. Mr. Browne was born August 5, 1920 in Brooklyn, NY to Matthew and Margaret Browne who emigrated from Ireland. Prior to college, Mr. Browne served as a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Third Army 10th Infantry Regiment and fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded on Christmas Day 1944. Mr. Browne was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Fordham University and began his career with the Archdiocese of New York. Mr. Browne moved to Upper Saddle River in 1962 and was a Founding Parishioner and First Head Lector of the Church of the Presentation. Mr. Browne served as General Manager of Institutional Commodity Services and retired in 1987 after 37 years of dedicated service.
Mr. Browne is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Claire, his four children and their spouses, Anthony and Margaret Browne of Ridgewood, NJ, Bradley and Susan Browne of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, Barbara and Kenneth Wineland of Medford, NJ and Kilby and Marizete Browne of Union City, NJ. He is also survived by his brother James of Normandy Beach, NJ and seven adoring grandchildren, Conor and Mary Browne, Jennifer and Daniel Browne and Matthew, Gregory and John Wineland.
Mr. Browne was a true gentleman who will always be remembered for his grace, dignity and humility. He truly cherished his years in Florida and above all, being with his family. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at St. Lucy's Catholic Church, 3510 South Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach, FL. A later service will be planned for the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River early this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Autism New Jersey at www.autismnj.com