Fred Eugene Brown Obituary-Death News; Fred Eugene Brown Death – Fred Eugene Brown, Math Teacher at University of Maine at Augusta Dies
Fred Eugene Brown, born January 16, 1942, in Rumford, Maine, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love for family, education, and the natural world.
Fred’s life was one lived with purpose, humor, and deep appreciation for the simple joys whether in the classroom, on the lake, or beside a woodstove with his beloved Sandy.
Raised on the Back Kingdom Road in Mexico, Maine, Fred’s roots in the state ran deep. He graduated from Mexico High School with high honors and went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono.
Summers were spent working at the local paper mill with his father and brother, Ezra, instilling in him a lifelong respect for hard work. At UMaine, Fred formed enduring friendships through the Beta fraternity and met the love of his life, Sandy, who would be his partner for over 60 years.
Together, Fred and Sandy raised four children Bonnie, Ted (Fred II), Keith, and Aaron in Manchester, Maine, where Fred embarked on a distinguished career in education.
As a math teacher at Hall-Dale and Cony High Schools for 34 years, and a lecturer in mathematics and statistics at the University of Maine at Augusta for over four decades, Fred touched thousands of lives.
His enthusiasm for numbers extended well beyond the classroom; he had a passion for puzzles of all kinds. One of his proudest moments was participating in The Puzzler segment with Will Shortz on NPR, a true highlight for the lifelong puzzle-lover.
Fred’s love for nature and the outdoors was a guiding thread throughout his life. With an old green tent and the iconic Santa tablecloth, he took his family camping across Maine, New Hampshire, and Canada.
He enjoyed canoeing, sailing, skiing, hiking, biking, and swimming—anything that brought him closer to the outdoors. In 1984, he and Sandy purchased a camp on Cobbossee Lake, where they spent 40 summers watching loons and hosting friends and family with laughter and cold beers in hand.
Travel was another joy Fred and Sandy shared, especially their bicycle tours across Europe and road trips throughout Canada. Despite his love of exploring, Fred was always happiest returning home.
A true Mainer at heart, he often remarked, “Maine is a big small town,” a sentiment that reflected his belief in close-knit community and neighborly kindness.
Fred was also a musician at heart, playing his left-handed guitar and singing folk songs for family and friends. He cherished quiet evenings with Sandy, sharing peanuts and stories by the fire.
Known by many names Brownie to his Beta Brothers, Uncle Gene to his extended family, Mr. Brown to his students, and Dad or Grampa to his loved ones Fred was revered for his booming voice, dry wit, and generous spirit.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ezra and Edna Brown, and his sister Peggy Miller and her husband Jim. He is survived by his wife Sandy; children Bonnie (Evan Gilman), Ted (Karol), Keith (Hoa Hoang), and Aaron (Emily); brother Ezra Staples Brown (Marsha); grandchildren Bethanie, Brandon, Lauren, Ellie, Emilia, and Ezra; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A private family celebration will be held later this summer to honor the remarkable life of Fred Brown—a teacher, mentor, friend, and family man who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
