Thomas J. Brown's Biography

Thomas “Tom” J. Brown was born in 1943 and spent two years in Chile with the Peace Corps during the mid-1960s. His conscience and interest in social issues led him to work for the poor and disadvantaged before becoming Community Board 11’s first ever district manager in 1977, beating out applicants such as future Board Chair Dominic Castore for the position.

During his tenure, Tom helped move along construction of the 49th Precinct house on Eastchester Road. “Whether it meant testifying or calling the Police Department on that, he was very instrumental,” according to Assistant District Manager Thomas Lucania.

Mr. Brown had a tough demeanor. He had no qualms about hanging up the phone on elected officials, for example. But despite that, he was a benevolent soul, who would refrain from killing mice when he caught them at the Board Office.

“He was a unique person,” according to Associate Estelle Kapp. “Being so sick as he was, he never brought his problems to work.” Tom had a heart transplant in 1985 and he had battled back lymph cancer, but despite that, he never complained and politely listened to concerns about his coffee drinking and pipe smoking. “He made light of everything,” according to Kapp. “He really did. He always said he was fine.”

In November 1988, while at CB11’s general monthly meeting, Tom fell ill and passed away. The week following his passing, he was set to meet with officials on a plan to rehabilitate Pelham Parkway, “one of his pride-and-joys,” according to Lucania. “He was always looking to take care of it.” Tom often called the Parks Department to mow the grass or remove barbecue grills, or the Sanitation Department to clean up the median.

Mr. Brown was survived by his wife Joan, his mother, and three minor children. According to Joan, Tom loved the Bronx. Until his passing, he and his family lived on Muliner Avenue.

In 1989, the City Council passed a law renaming White Plains Road between Pelham Parkway South and Brady Avenue “White Plains Road - Thomas J. Brown Mall,” in honor of Tom, who helped bring back business to the area years prior.