Edward Dehaven Brown of State St., Hermitage, passed away at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2012 in his residence with his family by his side. He was 78.

Mr. Brown was born October 16, 1933 in Johnsonburg, PA a son of Edward Q. and Zona Blint Brown.

He graduated high school from Erie Academy and attended Penn State College.

Mr. Brown served in the United States Army, 81st Airborne as a paratrooper. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

Edward retired as a manager in 1984 after 20 years with First Seneca Bank and Dollar Savings.

Mr. Brown was of Presbyterian Faith. He was a member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #103, Sharon Country Club, Past President of Hermitage Kiwanis, and was named President of the Board of Trustees for the Shenango Valley Osteopathic Hospital. Ed also bowled in various bowling leagues, enjoyed playing golf, cards, and loved spending time outdoors, hiking and hunting.

Edward is survived by his wife, Sally J. Gibbens Brown, whom he married, July 24, 1954. 3 daughters, Sherry L. and her husband David Graban of Hermitage, Kimberly S. and her husband Jimmy Driggers of Sarasota, FL, and Kathleen A. and her husband Ted Koppel of Port Charlotte, FL ; a son Bradley D. and his wife Cherie Brown of Hermitage, PA; a sister, Louise and her husband Sid Smith of Union City, PA; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer Winiecki Basner, Eric Fleming, Shawn Fleming, Brian E. Winiecki, Jason Fleming, Matthew Graban, Alex Kim, Sarah Kim, Bailey Brown, Paige Brown, and Kate Brown; 6 great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, Edward was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Gaines.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Out of respect of Edward's wishes, he chose to donate his body to Humanity Gifts Registry for anatomical study and research. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church ? Summer's Best Two Weeks Program 263 E. State St. Sharon, PA 16146.