William Oliver Brown

William Oliver Brown was born on October 14, 1933 in Chester PA to John Brown and Effie Clary Brown. He attended the public schools of Chester. Prete was a family man who was friendly, helpful, and loving. He was joined in holy matrimony with Maureen Gilbert on December 26, 1960, and this union was blessed with two daughters - Kimberly and Toria. Prete and Maureen were together for 56 years. They enjoyed a beautiful marriage for 51 years and one month, until death did them part when Maureen transitioned in 2012. Prete loved to provide for his family and was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. He attended barber school, Goldy Beacom College, and drum school at Caruso Brothers Music Store. He enjoyed being a drummer for a while, and was also a semi-pro boxer. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, Prete went on to work at Phoenix Steel in Claymont, Delaware, retiring after 30 years of service. He has also worked as a supervisor at Foulke Security, a truancy officer for the Chester Upland School District, was with the first class of security guards at Harrah's Casino in Chester, and he even worked at the shipyard! As a young man, Prete attended Range Temple Church of God in Christ. More recently, he rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized again at Haven of Hope Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Larry Snow. THE BUSINESS MAN: He owned a snack / water ice / food truck. Prete and Maureen owned two steak shops in Chester and two candy stores, 7th & Tilghman and 7th & Lincoln. He and brother Jimmy owned two candy stores at 8th & Lincoln and 8th & Pennell. He and brother Bernard owned a steak and hoagie shop in New York and also B&B's on 6th & Jeffrey. Prete also sold one of a kind clothing from his home with his long time friend Juan Slater. Prete was a gifted vocalist. As a young man, he was a member of the Four Stars as a bass singer. The Four Stars shared the spotlights with Ray Charles at the White Elephant in Chester. They chirped, "Chapel by the Sea", at the Riverside in Tinicum, where Fats Domino played. He also sang with the Royal Gospel Singers. He received the nickname "Preach" due to his grandfather being a bona fide minister. The name was mispronounced often as "Prete, and somehow it stuck. Prete found love again and married his current wife, Joan Hughes, on September 19, 2023. They shared many happy times together that will be cherished. On May 4th, 2025, the Angels whispered, and Prete completed his earthly journey. We thank God for this wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Pre-deceased by siblings Thomas “Jimmy” Brown, Theresa Buggs, Adelia Brown, Bernard Brown, Effie West, and Willie "Brother Price" who was raised with them as a brother. SURVIVED BY: Wife Joan, Daughters Kimberly Carter (Raymond), and Toria Williams, Grandsons Darrell Williams Jr. and Dom Queen, Granddaughter D'Andria Williams, who relocated back to Chester to keep Dad company and run errands for him (even though he was very independent), and 6 great grandchildren. Siblings: Hattie Covington, Vera “Bunny” Crews, Special Nieces: Renee Crews, Jewel (Bern) Johnson, Special Nephews: Anthony "Bean" Brown and Dr. Bruce Brown, Lifelong Friends: John Mclemore, Ed Gilreath, Special Friends: Anthony Gray, Rodney "Hunt" Alexander, Dewey, and Arthur Girton, Esq., and a host of other relatives and loved ones.

William Oliver Brown

October 14, 1933 - May 4, 2025