ROCKLAND — Leroy A. Brown, 79, passed away on Feb. 27, 2017, at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta following a period of declining health.

Born July 23, 1937, in West Stewartstown, N.H., he was the son of Leroy E. and Aline E. Asseline Brown. After graduating high school, he joined the military and spent more than 20 years serving in the United States Coast Guard, retiring in 1980 as a senior chief petty officer.

Leroy was a voracious reader and a Civil War buff, later delving into World War II history as well.

He was a longtime member of the American Legion Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt Post No. 1.

For nearly 30 years he was the companion of Donna L. Newton, who predeceased him in 2008.

Leroy is survived by Donna's son, Robin L. Wellman of Lexington, S.C.; several extended family members; and his many friends at the Legion.

A celebration of his life was held March 3, 2017, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland. A graveside service will be held Thursday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m. at Village Cemetery in Thomaston.