Jeff was born in Wakefield, R.I., in 1961 to Richard and Nancy Brown. Soon after, his family returned to Vermont.
Following high school, he took the Marine Corps Oath but was unfortunately injured and thus honorably discharged from the Winter Warfare Unit. This took him to begin his higher education career at Johnson State College; he then finished at Gannon University. He studied chemistry and graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
His career began when he worked for the General Electric Armaments Division. He then pursued a master’s in finance, became a CFA and held various licenses. He worked for Dean Witter Reynolds and, later, Morgan Stanley and Fidelity Investments.
He and his family relocated to Wheaton, Ill., where he held various positions in the Chicago financial market. Jeff remained in DuPage County, Ill., for the next 28 years. Ultimately, he lived his last few months in Wyoming, Mich., which felt like a wink and homage to his love of fly-fishing and all things in Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Jeff is survived by his children, Hunter (35), Ian (32) and Grace (26); and grandchildren, Talia, August and Louis. Jeff took great pride in being a parent, passing down his love of the Red Sox, fly-fishing, motorcycles and reading. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Richard (2012) and Nancy Brown (2006), and his wife, Deborah (Schaefer) Brown, in 2020.
We rejoice that he is at home with the Lord, out of all pain and suffering. May his life of resilience continue to inspire and provoke us forward. Semper fi.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 1 p.m., at Fairfax Community Center. All are welcome to attend.
This article appears in Sept 24-30 2025.