John M. Brown

John M. Brown. Age 91 of Park Ridge. Passed away September 30, 2022. Beloved husband of Joyce Brown. Loving father of Janet (Brian) Ehlert, Rob (Amy) Brown and John Brown. Devoted grandfather of Haley (Noah) Bachman, Madeline, Lauren and Jack Ehlert, Emma, Grace, Lilly and Gwyn Brown.

John was born in Oakland, CA to Scottish immigrant parents, Robert and Euphemia Brown and raised in Berwyn, IL. At the age of 11 he lost his father and was raised by his single mother. Never expecting to attend college, after graduating in 1949 from J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero he entered the workforce.  Through the encouragement and support of key mentors in his life, he ultimately attended college and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1954 with a double degree in Accounting and Industrial Management.  He was an avid Illini fan for the remainder of his life.  

He started his career as a certified public accountant at Ernst & Ernst and soon afterwards was drafted by the US Army.  Upon completion of his honorable service in Germany, Colorado and Washington DC, he resumed his career in 1956 at Touche Ross.  He “retired” in 1986 as a senior financial executive at National Can Corporation in Chicago.  He then had his second career as a successful financial and operational consultant before officially retiring from his last client, Captive Resources, at the age of 88.

John’s priority and passion was his family.  He met the love of his life, Joyce, at the Hunt Club in Cicero, and they were soon married in 1959.  They had an inspiring marriage for over 62 years raising three children and being blessed with eight grandchildren, all of whom he simply adored.  John and Joyce enjoyed spending time and playing golf at Park Ridge Country Club where he served on the Board of Directors.  He shared his love of card games (especially pinochle) with his entire family – a legacy which will endure.

John lived life on his own terms valuing hard-work, integrity and commitment while always exhibiting a sharp wit and sense of humor.  As an incredible teacher and mentor, he had a positive effect on nearly everyone he encountered.  John led a purposeful, impactful and happy life and will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Visitation Thursday, October 6, 4-8 p.m., at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Memorial Service Friday, 11 a.m., at Park Ridge Country Club, 636 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. Private Interment in Town of Maine Cemetery.

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