Michael James Brown, 58, of Warwick, retired Providence firefighter, passed away at home Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Born in Providence, Michael was the beloved son of Patricia L. (Cooper) Coughlin of East Greenwich and the late Dr. John J. Coughlin, and Malcolm T. and Diana (Cardarelli) Brown of Jamestown.
A graduate of LaSalle Academy and StoneHill College, during his 20-year tenure with the Providence Fire Department, Mike served as a devoted firefighter, fire marshal, and investigator.
Michael was an avid hockey fan and longtime goalie for the fire department’s recreational team, having developed his skills with the Edgewood Hockey League many years prior.
As an enthusiast of all things loud and action-packed, Mike was dedicated to NASCAR and weekend motorcycling with friends. He was a musician, a skilled drummer with a collection of multiple sets of percussion instruments.
Michael sought any opportunity to be outdoors — camping, boating, racing. He foraged the forest for interesting and unique pieces of wood later transformed into a collection of whimsical walking sticks he gifted to family and friends. His display of kindness, warmth and generosity was unending..
Those who knew Michael well appreciated his creative skills in the kitchen and often benefited from his bountiful presentations; his imagination was limitless, an inventor of sorts.
Michael always seemed to find humor in the more mundane happenings of life. He genuinely was entertaining particularly to his many lifelong friends.
He leaves behind plans for ongoing creative pursuits, inspirational ideas, countless writings, and much more that are merely a small reflection of his fiery lust for life. This world was simply not big enough to hold his endless dreams and ambitions.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughter Amanda E. Brown of Providence, his siblings Melissa A. Girard of East Greenwich and Matthew W. Brown of Smithfield, step-brothers Paul Cardarelli of Arizona and Andrew Cardarelli of Florida, his dearly loved one, Kelly Jan Hoyle-Alves of North Kingstown, many nieces and nephews, and little J.J., his beloved dog.
A celebration of Michael’s life was conducted Aug. 2, 2021.
