Obituary
Glenn Joseph Brown, 90, late of Chapel Hill, passed away on July 24, 2023, at a hospice facility in Pittsboro, NC.
Glenn was born on July 6, 1933, to Marie and Glenn Robert Brown in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Detroit High School and University of Detroit Mercy, Jesuit institutions, and earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan.
He was a dedicated professional, and his work required navigating many difficult environmental decisions, sometimes significantly impacting politicians, businesses, and citizens. Glenn was known for his integrity and decades of respectful service to the citizens of Wayne County and the state of Michigan.
Family was paramount in Glenn’s life, and his devotion to his wife, Marge, and their children was unwavering. He cherished the times spent with his children, taking them to different sporting events, music lessons, and school concerts. On Sunday mornings, Glenn loved preparing his signature steak and egg breakfasts for the whole family.
His appreciation for the outdoors was evident in his love for gardening, swimming, canoeing, and water skiing. Glenn enjoyed taking his family on trips; some favorite destinations were Yosemite, Spain, and Isle Royal. Even in later years, when he could no longer travel, he enjoyed walking and staying engaged with the world through maps and photos. Glenn lived by his grandmother’s words to “always be kind” and will be remembered by his family and friends for his kind spirit.
Glenn is survived by his daughter Kathleen Shapley-Quinn and spouse Todd; his sons, Chris Brown and spouse Ashley; Glenn Brown Jr.; and his grandchildren: Anna Shapley-Quinn and spouse Seth, Mary Katherine Shapley-Quinn and spouse Mitchell, and Novalee Brown. He is also survived by his great- grandchildren, Ada and Elwyn Yentes-Quinn; and sister, Joan Lambert. Glenn was preceded in death by his wife Marge Quinn Brown; and his son Matthew Brown. A funeral mass will be held for Glenn on a future date at St. Moses the Black in Detroit, Michigan. Donations to Catholic Relief Services or National Alliance on Mental Illness are appreciated.
