Richard Selz "Dick" Brown Obituary (1918 - 2013)

Richard Selz “Dick” Brown, age 94, of Minnetonka, peacefully passed away on January 11, 2013. Preceded in death by parents Edwin J. and Elsa Brown, wife Charlotte Mosler Brown and brother Ned Brown (Edwin J. Brown, Jr.). Survived by his loving family, wife of 17 years, Shirley Rivkin Brown, daughters Merrilee (Michael) Gallo and Roberta Brown, grandchildren Allison Cole (Matthew Marcus) and Matthew Cole, and great-grandchildren Ezra and Adira Marcus. He will always be remembered by his bonus family, Shirley’s sons David Rivkin (former wife Maryen Rivkin), Stephen Rivkin (wife Dina Morrone Rivkin), Robert Rivkin (Vicki) and the Rivkin grandchildren who called him “Grandpa Dick:” Charlie, Amy, Josh, Adam, Joey and Sam. He will also be missed by the Gallo children, Michael Gallo (Cynthia), Joe Gallo (Lisa),Vicki Knapton (Bill) and the Gallo grandchildren, Anthony, Sicilia and Sonia Rose, sisters-in-law Marilyan Brown and Muriel Honig, many nieces, nephews and dear friends too many to innumerate. A schmata salesman for more than 50 years, Dick was known for his outsized personality, daily stories and jokes, and his ability to schmooze with the best of them. In addition to his family, Dick’s fondest memories were of his World War II Naval service as a Radioman First Class on both the Yorktown and Capable battleships. He was aboard the Yorktown at the Battle of Midway and endured the life-threatening and life-changing situation of abandoning ship and spending countless hours in the Pacific’s waters until rescue. His military service served as the yardstick to measure the rest of his life -- both the good and the bad. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. MONDAY, January 14 at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2324 Emerson Avenue So., Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to USO, P.O. Box 96322, Washington DC, 20090 (USO.org) or donor’s choice. SHIVA 7:00 p.m., Monday at Temple Israel.