Matthew D. Brown 1950-2025

Matthew was born April 25, 1950, in Steubenville, a son of the late Calvin E. Brown and Bette H. Hineline Rodgers. He came to the Youngstown area as a child and quickly made it his home, building a life rooted in family, hard work and faith.

Matthew was a proud 1969 graduate of South High School, and spent nearly 45 years with R&J Trucking in Boardman, working primarily as a dispatcher but also serving in other roles throughout the years.

Matthew had many simple joys in life. He loved music, working jigsaw puzzles, shopping and tending to his garden and flowers. He had a deep fondness for animals and, in his younger years, enjoyed grooming racehorses in New York. Later in life, he found joy in watching and feeding the birds around his home, and he especially treasured the companionship of his best buddy, his son’s dog, Rocco. He also enjoyed attending services at Celebration Church.

Above all, his life was centered on his family. He leaves to forever cherish his memory, his wife of nearly 45 years, Kathy Haring Brown, whom he married Dec. 13, 1980; two sons, Matthew David (Amanda) Brown II of Austintown and Kevin (Christy) Brown of Knoxville, Tenn.; his five beloved grandchildren, Caden, Sam, Julian, Austin and Sophia Marie, who were his pride and joy.

He also leaves his brothers-in-law, Ralph (Terri) Haring of McDonald, John (Tracy) Haring of Columbus and Joseph (Beth) Haring of Canfield; nieces and nephews, Pam Wilson, Patty Wilson, Dave Wilson, Michael (Shannon) Haring, Johnny Haring, Madison Haring-Wallace and Emily Haring; great-nephews, Nathan Wilson and David Wilson; great-niece, Natalya Wilson; and many extended family members and countless friends.

In addition to his parents, Matthew was preceded in death by his sister, Tammy Wilson and brother, James Tonner.

Private services were held Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown. Matthew was laid to rest in Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Austintown.

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