BELFAST — Edwin F. “Ed” Brown, 81, of Belfast, passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2025.

Ed was born in Morrill, Maine on January 13, 1944 to Frank and Nadine (Thompson) Brown. Born at home, Ed entered the world during a snowstorm while his aunt Alta, aged nineteen at the time, held up a lamp connected to a truck battery. In this way, Ed began life preloaded with a great story to tell.

Known and loved by many, Ed – known as “Pup” by his close family – was larger than life. A lifelong fan of the Red Sox, the Patriots, and NASCAR, and with a distinguished career at Penobscot Poultry and as a truck driver for Delta Chemicals/General Alum And Chemical Corp, Ed was in many ways the quintessential man’s man. However, he also had a profoundly soft side, illustrated first and foremost by his singular devotion to his family. His grandchildren in particular were his pride and joy: “Pup” was ubiquitous at their school and sports events, and he followed their growth and triumphs with great pride.

Ed’s nurturing spirit manifested itself in other ways as well: You never knew when he would show up with an enormous pan of his homemade shepherd’s pie, or his famous peanut butter fudge, or a gorgeous hand-crafted lemon meringue pie. He took great joy in attracting and feeding hummingbirds, and he had a tremendous green thumb. Ed could often be found in his workshop, fixing or tinkering with newfound treasures, rendering them better than he found them and, more often than not, generously giving them away to a loved one.

Ed had nicknames for everyone, and he loved telling stories, sharing reminiscences, and wisecracking…especially while playing cribbage. A fierce competitor, he routinely trounced unsuspecting opponents, often while only half-jokingly offering advice such as “It’s not how you play the game; it’s whether you win or lose,” or “If you’re going to cheat, cheat fair!” In his younger years, Ed was a champion bowler, frequenting the smoke-filled lanes at U-Otta-Bowl with his fellow league members.

Ed is survived by his daughters Stacey BrownBanks and husband Michael Banks, Ramona Burkey and husband Daniel Burkey; and grandchildren Mackenzie Banks, Hannah Banks, Bobby Banks, and Andrew Burkey. He also leaves behind countless friends and family members, including his special brother, Robert “Bob” Brown and Bob’s partner Kim Overlock; brothers Richard, Timmy, Billy, Kenny and Blake; and sisters Tootie, Janice, Peggy, Carolyn, Phyllis, Juanita and Shelley; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, including his cherished cousin Rodene Brown and close friends Gert Lapham and Bernie Jones.

Ed is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Nadine (Williams) Brown; daughter Paula Jones; and by Janice (Phillips) Brown, the mother of his daughters Stacey and Ramona. He is also predeceased by brothers Lawrence Thompson and Raymond Brown; sisters Ginger Seekins, Nancy Jordan, and Maryanne Brown; special uncle Roderick Brown; special aunts Alta Brown and Florence “Flossie” Wilmore; and special friends Tom Sawyer, Carl Gelo, and Harold Kelley.

Ed’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Belfast Shrine Club.

Memorial contributions can be made to Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary in Brooks, Maine.

Memories, photos and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.