Robert D. “Mike” Brown, of Salisbury Township, died peacefully in his sleep Aug. 12, 2020. He celebrated 57 years of marriage to his loving wife Mary (Povinelli) June 15. He was born July 4, 1931, to the late Joseph and Ruth (Schaffer) Brown in Fountain Hill.

He delighted in his friends and community life. In Emmaus and the Allentown School District, he was known affectionately as “Mike,” while his relatives and church friends called him “Bob.”

He was a graduate of Emmaus High School in 1950, East Stroudsburg State Teachers College in 1954 and Lehigh University in 1976.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

In 1956, he started his high school teaching career, teaching science and coaching football and track in Hellertown and North Plainfield, N.J. He spent 1957-1958 as Brother Mark at Our Lady of the Cross Monastery in Berryville, Va. He then served as the director of the planetarium at Louis E. Dieruff High School, where he continued his coaching career. In 1978, he became an assistant principal at William Allen High School. He retired from Allentown School District in 1989. In retirement, he was employed by Holy Family Manor.

He was an active member of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, Allentown. He served as a lector, altar server and Eucharistic Minister. He was involved in most of the parish organizations, especially Friends For “LIFE.”

He loved woodworking, camping and gardening, especially growing tomatoes. He raised chickens, rabbits and ducks and enjoyed the company of his beagles. He was an avid reader, especially of biographies and history. Above all, he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. His greatest joy was his faith and his family.

He is survived by his wife; children, Anna J., Ruthie (Bob) Tice, Joseph (Robin) and MaryKate Joseph (Andy Lisicky); grandchildren, Emily and Hannah; a brother-in-law, Valentine (Barbara) Povinelli; a sister-in-law, Anne Ohlrogge; many nieces; nephews; cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Sally; brothers, B.J. and William.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul R.C. Church, The Allentown School District Foundation, Mercy Center for Special Learning, or the Carmelite Monestary in Center Valley.

His family is deeply grateful for the loving support of neighbors Warren Groman, Linda and Douglas Roncolato, Dee and Phil Seagreaves and for the professional care of all of the St. Luke’s Hospice team, especially Bien and Al.

His funeral and burial will be private. The K.V. Knopp Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown, is in charge of arrangements.