Nathan M. Brown

Nathan Myer Brown, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 98 years old.

Born on July 12, 1927, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the youngest of nine children of M.D. and Helen (Ehrenreich) Brown. Nathan resided in Kingston, Harvey’s Lake and Pittston, Pennsylvania, and Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre and attended Bucknell Junior College, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. Nathan served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany in 1951 and 1952 as part of the Army Corps of Engineers, contributing to surveying operations during a pivotal era in post-war Europe. Upon returning home, Nathan joined the family business, the M.D. Brown Company — a wholesale dry goods business founded by his father in 1923. He eventually took the helm and led the company with tireless energy, constant innovation, and an entrepreneur's spirit, running it until the age of 88. His ability to adapt and evolve with the times was a hallmark of both his professional and personal life. On October 23, 1955, Nathan married Doris Gordon from Scranton, Pennsylvania. Together they raised 3 children and built a home full of fun, laughter, and cherished Jewish traditions.

Doris preceded him in death on January 15, 2023 along with his siblings and their spouses Martin Brown (Selma), Sidney Brown (Selma), Milton Brown, Libbie Botwinick (Leo), Dr. Adolf Brown (Ruth), Silvia German (Gilbert), Joseph Brown (Mildred) and Harriet Schectman (Joseph).

A proud and longstanding member of Congregation Ohav Zedek in Wilkes-Barre — a synagogue his father helped found — Nathan held the distinction of being its longest-serving member.

"The youngest of nine siblings, Nathan outlived them all, carrying forward the memory of his entire generation with humor and a positive outlook on life. His wit remained sharp and his spirit undimmed, right up until his final days — a gift to everyone fortunate enough to be near him. Nathan embraced healthy living as a way of life. Through his 90s, he was an outdoor enthusiast and avid runner, cyclist, swimmer, and fitness buff whose vitality was an inspiration to all. In his final years, he relocated to Denver to be closer to family — bringing his curiosity, warmth, and enthusiasm for life with him. He was always eager to engage with anyone on any subject, a true lifelong learner until the very end.

Nathan is survived by his three children and their families: Ellen Brown Goldfarb (Stewart); Leslie Brown (David Aronoff); and Morris (“Morey”) Brown (Lisa). His grandchildren include Alex Goldfarb (Kelsi), Brett Goldfarb, Justine Aronoff (Patrick Manning), Hilary Aronoff, Mitchell Aronoff, and Talia Rose Brown. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Brycen and Kinsley Goldfarb and many nieces and nephews.

 
In nearly a century, Nathan never stopped moving, learning, or engaging with the world around him — setting a great example on how to live.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1st at 12 pm at the Rosenberg Funeral Chapel, Inc. 348 S. River Street, Wilkes-Barre with Rabbi Dovid Kaplan officiating. Interment will follow in the West Pittston Jewish Cemetery, 22 Wilkern St. West Pittston. Shiva will follow at the Friedman JCC from 3 to 6 pm. Memorial Contributions may be made to FriedmanJCC.org or OhavZedek.org

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