Joseph F. Browne, 78, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016. He had been a resident of Riverview, Florida for the past 14 years and a previous resident of Groton/Mystic/Norwich, Connecticut for over 20 years.
Born on October 3, 1937 in Harlem, New York, son of Delia Byrne and Matthew Browne of Ireland, he attended Westchester Community College where he achieved an Associates of Science degree in Electronics. Upon graduation from college he proudly served in the U.S. Army. Following his enlistment, he worked for oil companies throughout the greater New England area, raising to the title of Vice President of Kenyon Oil and Xtra Mart convenience stores. He was instrumental in establishing numerous chains of convenience stores throughout New England. Joe took great pride in his Catholic faith, was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Connecticut, and spent numerous hours volunteering for the church festivals and events in Riverview, Florida. Joe was also heavily involved with events held in the Hacienda Heights community, sometimes portraying characters in various plays, or carrying a flag in military memorials, or cooking for the holiday celebrations. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan.
Joe is survived by his wife of 32 years, Connie (Pepin) Browne of Norwich, Connecticut, children; Scott Browne (Debby), Erin Browne, and Matthew Browne (Julie) of Connecticut, step-daughters Dawn Armstrong (Paul) and Lisa Padfield (Richard) of Riverview, Florida, fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers John, Thomas and sister Elizabeth Garvey.
Visitation hours will begin at 2 p.m. at Serenity Meadows, Riverview, on October 8, 2016, followed by a Catholic memorial service at 3 p.m.