Sumner David Brown, formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully April 5th, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Sumner, also known as Sonny, and then as David, was born on June 25,1931, in Cambridge Massachusetts to the late Rose Brown (Shapiro) and Hyman Brown.

At the age of six Sonny became the big brother to Edward Brown. As a child he attended the Fletcher Grammar School and later graduated from Cambridge High and Latin in 1948. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve. He then served during the Korean Conflict receiving an honorable discharge.

After the Navy, Dave attended the Boston University College of Business Administration. There he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1958. Following this, he began his career in the wholesale drug (pharmaceutical ) industry with his first job as a processing manager. From there he became a vice president and general manager at Gilman Brothers in Worcester (a wholesale drug company). Six years later he transferred to their Boston location and worked as the senior vice president and general manager.

In 1962, Dave married Eleanor at the Most Holy Redeemer Church in East Boston. In 1963 they started their family with the birth of their first son Joseph followed by Alan, Kenneth and Deborah. Over the years the family lived in many different communities. Starting in Melrose then Wakefield followed by Framingham before settling down back in Melrose raising their family.

Dave was an avid lifelong stamp collector and upon retirement he worked part time downtown Melrose at Middlesex Coin and Stamp. With stamps being both a hobby and job Dave became extremely knowledgeable about world geography. He was able to tell you where any country was, regardless of the country's size. He was a lifelong Boston sports fan who enjoyed the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots.

When Dave's children were young, he spent many weekend mornings taking them to different places. These activities included walks around Framingham High School, Shoppers World in Framingham, trips to the Buffalo Farm in Southborough, trips to the playground at Green Hill Park in Worcester and upon returning to Melrose, trips to the Stone Zoo. He enjoyed playing scrabble with Deb and Kenny. Later when he lived on Meridian Street, he spent many afternoons floating around the family pool on a large inner tube. He enjoyed weekly card games at Towne Estates with his son Kenny and friends. He also enjoyed the couples card games with Eleanor and their friends. Dave loved to go to the casino with Eleanor. The two also enjoyed spending time playing Bingo with friends at the Saugus Commons. Dave was very fortunate to have enjoyed many summer vacation weeks on Keyes Pond in Westford, vacations with the Family at Grand Lake Lodge, the White Mountains, Tennessee and Illinois visiting family. Dave’s most recent trip at age 94 was flying to Iowa with his wife Eleanor and sons Kenneth and Alan to attend his brother in laws 80th birthday. Dave enjoyed reading the Wall Street Journal and had an ability to spark up a conversation with anyone. He could be described as having a playful spirit and a good sense of humor always making the family laugh at get togethers.

In 1968 Dave became an uncle for the first time with the birth of Christina Ferlisi then followed by Julie Brown, Kim, Scott, Jeff, Joey and Andy Indresano. After Daves children were married, he became a grandfather in 1995. This was with the birth of his first grandchild, Alex McClelland . More grandchildren soon were to follow with the births of Joshua Brown, Jessica Brown, Kenneth Brown jr. Bradley McClelland and Joseph Brown. As a grandfather he enjoyed watching all of his grandchildren grow up becoming young adults.

Dave will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Eleanor of 60 plus years and their four children, Joseph of Lowell, Alan and his wife Dianne of Melrose, Kenneth and his wife Monique of Newton, and Deborah McClelland and her husband Adrian of Illinois. His grandchildren Alex and Bradley McClelland , Joshua and Jessica Brown, Kenneth jr. and Joseph Brown. His brother Edward Brown, niece Julie, her husband Chad Gagnon and their daughter Audrey, Sister-in-law Rita Ferlisi, niece Christina and her daughters Laura and Grace. His brother-in-law Dr. Thomas Indresano, his wife Rita, their children Kim, Scott, Jeff, Joe and Dr. Andrew Indresano along with their spouses and children. His cousin Harold Werlin and his wife Mary and their sons Jason and Nathan along with other relatives and friends.

Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 9:00-11:00 AM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM immediately following the visitation inside the funeral home. Interment to follow at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made in Dave’s name to the American Lung Association

or

The Melrose Veterans Relief Fund, c/o Melrose City Hall, First Floor, 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176. Or Online Veterans Fund