1923 – 2015

Deacon Clifford W. Brown, retired Permanent Deacon, died on June 8, 2015, after a lengthily illness.

Deacon Brown was born on August 8, 1923, in Flushing, New York. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania in 1944 and a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania in 1948. Twelve years later, he received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Bryn Mawr College. He was an associate professor of philosophy and the founding Chair of the Philosophy Department at Rutgers University, Camden. He retired from this institution as Professor Emeritus in 2009, after 49 years of service.

Deacon Brown was ordained on a permanent deacon on May 29, 1988, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend Anthony J. Bevilacqua. Deacon Brown was assigned to Our Mother of Consolation Parish in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. He remained there until his retirement in 2010. Deacon Brown was also the Clergy Coordinator for the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs from 1998 until 2010.

There will be a life celebration on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Avenue, Philadelphia, followed by his Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon. Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis will be the principal celebrant. Reverend Robert L. Bazzoli, O.S.F.S, will be the homilist. The Deacon assisting at the Liturgy of the Word will be Deacon James M. Tormey. The Deacon assisting at the Altar will be Deacon Kenneth A. Belanger.

Deacon Brown is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joanne, his four children; Joseph, Adam, Jenny, and Amy, and three grandchildren. Interment will be at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens.

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