The work and life of Nelson Brown, Sr., who died on July 25, was celebrated at a memorial service recently at Philadelphia’s Canaan Baptist Church with family, friends, community leaders, and comrades from the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware district of the Communist Party USA. He was 77.
A message of condolences was received from the Philadelphia City Council.
Nelson Brown’s life was dedicated to the struggle for African American equality, peace, jobs and working-class unity. He was a community activist and longtime leader of the CPUSA in Eastern Pennsylvania, serving on its district board for many years.
Nelson loved the People’s Weekly World/Nuestro Mundo and distributed it for decades. When walking and standing became too difficult, he delivered small bundles of the paper to stores and institutions in the neighborhood.
Born on July 31, 1925, in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Nelson Brown survived three bouts with cancer, the first causing him to lose a leg at age eleven. In spite of his health challenges, Nelson was admired for his pleasant personality and hard work.
Nelson was also dedicated to his loving family – his wife of 52 years, Florine, and their five children and 10 grandchildren. He enjoyed working in the garden. He was an avid reader and was always ready to debate political issues. “We will celebrate Nelson’s life by continuing the struggle for a better world,” said Rita Perna, CPUSA district organizer, at the service.
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