Robert H. Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

“Istill wanted him to be out there,” says Kathy Brown of establishing a memorial fund for her late husband Bobby. “He was such a charitable person—he would feel good about someone benefiting from something in his name.” She talks of Bobby’s positive experience at Bishop Hendricken, where he excelled in academics, hockey, baseball, and wrestling.

Always in learning mode, Bobby earned his first Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island, his second Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University, and his Master of Science in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. “But he always saw Bishop Hendricken as an important part of his upbringing, making him into who and what he was. Now he will be giving other young men that same opportunity,” says Kathy.

Born and raised in Cranston, Bobby served with the Cranston Police Department for 21 years, retiring as Detective Captain. After his retirement from the police department, he served as an Inspector in private corrections and then as an Inspector for the State of Rhode Island Department of Corrections’ Investigations Unit. In each capacity, he was regarded for his poise and unparalleled work ethic, as one who was undeterred by the tough stuff. “Bobby’s strong internal code always led him to navigate the righteous, compassionate, and just path, even if not always the easiest,” says Kathy.

Kathy, married to Bobby for 32 years, recalls that Bobby always had something to offer, whether it was with family and friends, at a work meeting, passing on the street, or standing in line for coffee. “Anyone could become the beneficiary of his sparkle and his thoughtfulness.”

In Bobby’s memory, Kathy created a website. On it, she says the following, in part, about the scholarship fund: The fund will generate and present a scholarship every year, commencing in 2023, to a student at his alma mater Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island. The decision was made to establish Bobby’s memorial scholarship with the Rhode Island Foundation for two reasons:

1) Investment with the Rhode Island Foundation will maximize the growth potential of the scholarship fund; and

2) The scholarship will create a lasting legacy in Bobby’s name. In other words – Bobby’s scholarship will be here forever.

“I want his story and his name to continue and I want it to be forever—this fund will make it happen.”