Ralph A. Brown, 87, formerly of New Bedford passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Our Lady's Haven in Fairhaven after a long period of declining health.  He was the loving husband of the late Alice C. (Bell) Brown.

Ralph was born in Providence, RI, the son of the late George and Mary R. (Stone) Brown and a lifelong resident of New Bedford. He attended New Bedford High School and graduated from the New Hampton School in 1955.  He later attended Babson College and Suffolk University and served in the United States Coast Guard from 1959-1963. He was a Customs Officer for many years until his retirement in 1986.  Prior to that he had worked as a salesman for Albion B. Stone Jeweler. Mr. Brown was a longtime member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in New Bedford and very active in the Masons and Shrine.  He was a member of the Quittacus Lodge AF & AM, the Eastern Star Knights Templar, the Scottish Rite and Aleppo Temple Shrine in Boston among many other organizations.

Ralph was an avid Boston sports teams fan. He attended many New Bedford High and UMass Dartmouth sporting events over the years.  He enjoyed bowling, swimming and collected pop tops for the Shriners as well as attending countless charity events.

He is survived by his children, Gregory S. Brown and his wife Cindy of FL, Heather A. Haines and her husband Robert M. Haines, Jr. of Westport and Laurie M. Brown of FL;  a daughter in law, Jeanine Brown of ME;  seven grandchildren, Trevor Brown, Heidi Schertzer and her husband Steven, Robert M. Haines, III, Savannah L. Ferreira and her husband Blake, Derek Burney, Jr., Alec J. Fiske and Haylee J. Fiske;  and four great grandchildren.  Mr. Brown was the father of the late Stephen H. Brown and grandfather of the late Amanda J. Brown.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 4-7pm in the Donaghy New Day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford.  His graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9am in Beechgrove Cemetery, Westport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady's Haven, 71 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or the Shriners Children's Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.