George A. Brown, 99, of 170 Corinthia Drive, Newport News, VA, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Christine P. Brown, his parents, Dorothy and Caroll Brown, his sisters Dorothy Orlopp, Barbara Grant, and his brother, Alan Brown. He truly was the last man standing. Mr. Brown is survived by his life-partner for the past seventeen years, Verni Saunders, and three children: Gregory Brown (wife- Martha) of Norfolk, VA, Carol Whitson of Williamsburg, VA, and Geoffrey Brown (wife Chris Brown) of Duluth, MN. He was also blessed with many little feet running around: he had seven grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren! He was able to enjoy many fun-filled beach holidays with his family on the Outer Banks due to a salad a day, working out, a cocktail, and daily vitamins.
Mr. Brown attended and graduated from Dwight Prep in New York City and Harvard College in Cambridge, MA, graduating in 1947, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Sciences. Mr. Brown served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Western Pacific and China, having attained the rank of Lt. J.G.
After an initial foray into the restaurant business on Cape Cod after college, whereby he sought to congeal his then interests in piano playing, the sea, and other sundri activities of the time, he then enjoyed an extensive business career with Geo.A.Hormel Co. in Austin, MN, Sealtest Foods in New York City, Swift and Co. in Chicago IL, and ITT Gwaltney, Smithfield, VA as president from 1972 until 1982. Mr. Brown then went on to create his own food brokerage business – Transatlantic Traders from 1983 through 1996, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Mr. Brown was a member of the Sierra Club, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the National Parks Conservation Association. He served his community well through his participation in the Ombudsman Program, Meals on Wheels, Faith in Action, Sentara Hospice, and Grove Christian Outreach in Williamsburg.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Denbigh Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Brown has requested, in lieu of flowers, that any remembrance be donated to the following: Grove Christian Outreach, Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Va. 23185.
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Oh Mr. George! What a smile you brought to dear Verni and those that witnessed the love that you two shared. What a life you had and what an impression you left on many hearts. Peace to you and yours.