John T. �Tom� Brown, age 83, of Lowell formerly of Billerica, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Catherine (McQuade) Brown, to whom he was married for 51 years. Born in Lowell on December 12, 1925, he was the son of the late John T. and Mildred (Degenhardt) Brown. He was raised and educated in Billerica and was a graduate of Howe High School. Tom was eager to join the war effort and reportedly ate three loaves of homemade bread and a bunch of bananas every day to build up his slender frame. Mr. Brown enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII and campaigned in the Pacific theatre as an Aviation Radioman attached to the USS Honolulu. Upon his return home he married and soon settled in Lowell. Tom enjoyed helping people and was always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor, relative, or mere acquaintance to accomplish any task at hand. With a rather quirky sense of construction, Tom�s accomplishments could be seen as curious, or perhaps downright dangerous. Mr. Brown worked for 43 years for Lowell/Colonial Gas Company, initially as a technician and later as the manager of the meter department. He retired in 1991. Tom�s outgoing personality and charm earned him the title of �Colonial�s #1 Attaboy!� During his spare time he enjoyed travel, especially to visit his children at their homes both near and far. He was famously known for his curiosity to explore any back road or byway, of course taking the long way around was always an adventure. Even in his later years Tom was quick to win over strangers with his engaging smile and twinkling blue eyes. He employed various catchphrases to engage a chance conversation: 'tempus fugit;' or perhaps �shake the hand that shook the hand of Lincoln.� He was a very beloved member of the Chelmsford Adult Social Day Program, and a proud parent. Often, when he experienced the accomplishments of his children, a tear would come to his eye; and, of course, his children incessantly teased him about this sweet vulnerability. He is survived by his children, Beverly Bailey and her husband Douglas of Tewksbury, his longtime caregiver Deborah Brown of Lowell, John T. Brown Jr. of Nashua, NH, James M. Brown and his wife Theresa of South Portland, ME, and Timothy Brown and his wife Keiko of Bedford. He was the brother of Shirley Bennett of Greenfield, MA and the late Marjorie Bolz, Barbara Koslow, and Constance Holdman. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Tom also enjoyed the support and friendship of his wonderful neighbors and his many loving nieces and nephews.