SPENCER – Father Patrick Brown, O.C.S.O., a Trappist monk of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, died peacefully in the monastery’s infirmary early Friday morning, January 8, 2021.
Born John Francis Brown on November 16, 1934 in The Bronx, New York to Alfred Brown, Sr. and Kathleen Lawler Brown, he graduated from Archbishop Stepinac Catholic High School in the Bronx.
In 1952, soon after high school, he entered St. Joseph’s Abbey as a Lay Brother postulant, receiving the name, Br. Alphonsus. He made temporary profession in 1955 and in 1957 he transferred to the choir monks and pronounced his solemn vows in 1960. He was awarded a master’s degree in psychology and counseling, magna cum laude, from Assumption College in Worcester in 1973. He was ordained a priest at the abbey in 1974. For many years, Father Patrick worked primarily at Trappist Preserves, the abbey’s jams and jellies industry and was a counsellor to several people.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Kathleen, and siblings Joan and Adrienne. He is survived by his brother, Albert Brown, Jr., numerous cousins, as well as nieces and nephews who knew him affectionately as “Uncle Jack.”
The monks wish to thank the brothers and lay staff at St. Joseph’s Abbey Resident Healthcare Facility, the abbey’s infirmary, for the compassionate care they afforded Father Patrick in his final years, and also the nurses of VNA Hospice, whose proficient attention comforted Father in his last days.
With gratitude for his presence among us, the brothers commend Father Patrick’s soul to your prayers. There are no calling hours. Due to restrictions concerning COVID-19 protocols, services and burial are strictly private. J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terrace, Spencer, 508-885-3992, is directing arrangements.