William Brown Jr., 77, TWA captain
William Brown Jr. of 79 Barry Avenue, a retired captain for Trans World Airlines who enjoyed iceboating and decoy carving, died at his home on Monday evening, May 21. He was 77 years old and the husband of the late Marjorie Kosky Brown.
Capt. Brown was born in New London on June 21, 1923, a son of the late William and Agnes M. Rogers Brown. He was educated in both public and military schools, including Riverside Military Academy in Gainsville, Ga.
Capt. Brown was an Army Air Force fighter pilot in the European theater during World War II, flying P-47s, and also served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He joined Trans-World Airlines in 1952, flying domestic and international routes, and retired in 1983.
He and his family moved from Wantagh, Long Island, to Barry Avenue in 1964.
Capt. Brown enjoyed working with wood in several ways. He was an expert decoy carver whose work was exhibited in shows and won several blue ribbons. His wife, who was an artist and craftsperson, often helped with coloring the decoys.
He also built and sailed iceboats — “he was a retired captain for TWA so everything had to go fast!” said his daughter, Toni Kowalec. Capt. Brown sailed at both Peach Lake in North Salem and at Bantam Lake in upstate Connecticut, and was active in Westchester Ice Boating Club.
Capt. Brown also enjoyed boating on Long Island Sound aboard his 32-foot SeaRay.
Besides Ms. Kowalec, who lives in Bantam and Ocala, Fla., Capt. Brown is survived by a son, William Brown III of Ocala; another daughter, Colleen Litof of Redding; a sister, Margaret Hopper of Modesto, Calif.; three grandchildren, William Brown IV, Stephen Partrick and Lisa Partrick; and three great-grandchildren, William Brown V, Cameron Partrick and Catherine Partrick.
Private graveside services will take place in Comstock Cemetery, Montville.
There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in Capt. Brown’s memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association, 90 East Ridge, or to the Ridgefield Fire Department Ambulance Fund, 6 Catoonah Street.
The Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.