David Stephen Brown

David Stephen Brown, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on August 6, 2025, after a long illness. David was born on March 13, 1947, to C. Carlton and Laura (Grabowiecki) Brown in Washington, DC. The oldest of Carlton and Laura’s three children, David grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and graduated from Northwood High School in 1965. As a teenager, he was in a rock band that practiced in his parents’ basement, much to his younger sister’s delight.

David entered the United States Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam as an E5 in the Signal Corps until his honorable discharge in 1969. He obtained two Associate Degrees in engineering from Northern Virginia Community College, and then worked in technology management until his retirement in 2006.

David is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathryn (MacGregor) Brown; their three children, Kelsi Corkran (Scott), Kerry Brown (Brooke), and Darcy Suarez; their seven grandchildren, MacGregor, Allison, Caiseal, Katelyn, Kellan, Emily, and Delaney; and his sister Marsha Pressel. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Chris Brown.

David’s life was full of love – love of learning, music, photography, cooking, gardening, woodworking, baseball, puns, and most of all his family. David and Kathryn made a point to celebrate each of their 649 wedding monthiversaries and enjoyed countless Saturday night dates drinking champagne while listening to David’s specially curated music playlists. He was a beloved father who never missed a little league game or dance recital and enthusiastically supported his children in everything they did. And David relished his time with his grandchildren, whether they watching Bluey, making iced tea, baking pizza, planting vegetables, filling out Mad Libs, or playing Mario Cart.

David’s Christmas lasagna and choose-your-favorite-dish Thanksgiving spreads were worthy of Michelin stars, and he would happily double his recipes to include friends who could not be with their own families for the holidays. He will be remembered for his warmth, gentleness, intelligence, humor, humility, wisdom, and big heart.

A memorial service will be held on October 25, 2025, at David and Kathryn’s home in Vienna, Virginia, where their family shared many memories and much love over the last 47 years. If you would like to attend, please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, please share your memories of David using the guestbook below.