Charles Michael “Charlie” Brown, 82, of Ontario, passed away Wednesday morning, July 23, 2026, following an extended illness.
Born November 1, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, Charlie was the son of the late Jack and Sally (Brunswick) Brown. He graduated from Chaminade High School in Dayton before earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton.
Charlie enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on July 27, 1971. Following his military service, he continued his education at Ohio Northern University, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1973.
It was on a blind date to watch college basketball that Charlie first met Carol Barr. What began as a chance meeting quickly grew into a lifelong love story. After dating for just six months, the couple was married on June 2, 1973, beginning more than five decades of devoted marriage.
Charlie found great fulfillment in the practice of law and enjoyed the intellectual challenges his profession offered. After moving to Mansfield, he joined the law firm of Ryan and Cole, where he soon became a partner.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Charlie and Carol especially enjoyed attending local basketball games together. Charlie also loved staying active and could often be found competing in racquetball or basketball or riding his bicycle for exercise. Together, he and Carol traveled throughout the world while also creating treasured memories on family vacations across the United States.
Always curious and eager to learn, Charlie was an incessant reader who never passed up the opportunity to tackle a challenging crossword puzzle. He believed in giving back to his community, serving on the board of Planned Parenthood and playing an instrumental role in the development of the Raintree Building Project.
Charlie will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Carol Brown of Ontario; his children, Katie (Darin) Slusher, Stephen (Erin) Brown, and Andrew Charles Brown; his cherished grandchildren, Emily, Klayton, Paige, Violet, Scarlet and Hazel; his great-grandsons, Bryson and JJ; his siblings, Sally Crowe, Richard (Mary) Brown, and Virginia Bieser; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Lou Clark, Jack Brown, Thomas Brown, Jim Brown, and Bonnie.
The Brown family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for their guidance, professionalism and extraordinary standard of care, to Drs. Vaydia, Patterson, Cosgrove, Pettersson and Win, to the nursing staff and Drs. at Avita Hospital Ontario who cared for Charlie and the family the evening of his passing as well as the Springfield Township Rescue Squad.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to assist the Brown family with cremation services.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com