RUMFORD, Maine — The University of Maine at Augusta and communities across central Maine are mourning the loss of longtime educator Fred Eugene Brown, who passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Brown, a revered math teacher and mentor, leaves behind decades of influence in classrooms and hearts across the region.
Born January 16, 1942, in Rumford and raised on Back Kingdom Road in Mexico, Maine, Brown was known for his intellectual curiosity, generous spirit, and love of both numbers and nature. He graduated from Mexico High School with honors and attended the University of Maine at Orono, where he developed lifelong friendships through the Beta fraternity and met his future wife, Sandy, his partner of more than 60 years.
Brown spent much of his early life working alongside his father and brother at a local paper mill, fostering a work ethic that carried him through a distinguished teaching career. He taught mathematics at Hall-Dale and Cony High Schools for over three decades before serving more than 40 years as a lecturer at the University of Maine at Augusta, where he became a respected and beloved figure among faculty and students alike.
Beyond the classroom, Brown had a deep passion for puzzles—once even appearing on NPR’s The Puzzler with Will Shortz—and an abiding love for the outdoors. With Sandy and their four children, Fred spent summers exploring the lakes and forests of Maine, camping under the stars, and enjoying life at their cherished camp on Cobbossee Lake, a family gathering place for more than 40 years.
An avid adventurer, Brown also enjoyed canoeing, sailing, biking, and cross-country travel, often embarking on bicycle tours across Europe and road trips throughout Canada. Despite his global travels, he remained a proud Mainer at heart, often remarking, “Maine is a big small town.”
Brown’s presence was unmistakable—his booming voice, dry wit, and signature warmth made him a beloved figure to many. Known as “Mr. Brown” to his students, “Uncle Gene” to his extended family, and “Grampa” to his grandchildren, he wore many hats with equal joy.