Alexander Brown

Mr. Alexander N. "Alex" Brown, 24, a resident of Hampton and Newport News for 3 years, died on Friday, May 13, 2011. He was currently employed as a Research Assistant for the University of Maryland, A. James Clark School of Engineering, Morpheus Lab, and working for the National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton. Alex was an Aerospace Engineer and Ph.D. candidate with research focused on synthetic jet actuators.

Alex was born in Bethesda, MD and graduated from Frederick High School in 2004. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America Troop 792. He attended the University of Maryland where he graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with honors and completed a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering in 2010.  He received many honors during his education: the Aerospace Engineering Department Honors Program, Primmannum Honor Society, the Clark Corporation Partners Scholarship, and the 2011 M. L. Drews Scholarship.  He was also awarded a National Science Foundation GOALI Grant, and a UMD Aerospace Graduate Research Assistantship.   Alex was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Sigma Gamma Tau (National Aerospace Engineering Honor Society), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Vice Chair NIA Student Chapter), and was a web administrator for NASA Depot (www.nasadepot.org). His undergraduate memberships included the College Park Scholars (Arts Program), The Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band Drum Line (Tater Salad), and Ballroom at Maryland Competitive Ballroom Dance Team.

He was an avid musician, a sailing enthusiast, and enjoyed spending time with his family, co-workers, and the many friends he made while traveling around the world. He was a young man who was respected by his colleagues, and was loved by all who knew him. In his brief life he cherished family, friends, and education. Alex never lived a day without striving to make tomorrow better and it always came with a smile. Alex was a wonderful son, a cherished "big brother", and a loving grandson who will be missed for a life time.

Alex is survived by his beloved parents, Randy & Patricia Ann Brown; his brother, Eric Michael Brown; paternal grandparents, Arlene & Wally Brown and Ron Phillips; maternal grandparents, David Edward & Margaret Mary Pergrin; and many extended family members and friends.

A celebration of Alex’s life will be held on Sunday, June 12 ^th at 2:00PM at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. The family will be present to receive friends one hour prior to services. Deacon Bill Bohn will officiate services.

A reception from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. will be at the Hampton Inn 1565 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Please feel free to join the family at the reception or at an evening gathering later Sunday June 12th at the Red Horse Restaurant from 7-11 PM.  This will be an additional opportunity to express your joy in knowing Alex. There is a cash bar and refreshments can be purchased. This is a place to play so bring your musical instruments to jam if you wish.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Alex Brown Memorial Scholarship at www.aero.umd.edu/about/the-alex-brown-scholarship.html. Online condolences may be made to www.claytorrollins.com. Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, is in charge of arrangements.