Obituary
Bill did everything with gusto. He had friends everywhere and could be found leading groups in three cheers for almost any reason. He loved a celebration and created a party wherever he went.
Bill was the founder and Chairman of Bill Brown Sales and ALP Lighting. He delighted in helping his customers find solutions. He received every honor the Illuminating Engineering Society had to give, but his greatest professional joy was mentoring and connecting young professionals. He maintained lifelong relationships with many colleagues, employees, and customers, some whom refused to acknowledge his early retirement at the age of 89.
Bill was a competitor, a ferocious bridge player, a horseback rider and a traveler. Although English was his only formal language, he managed to make himself understood by people across the globe.
His family was Bill’s true joy. Bill was married to his beloved wife Norma for 70 years. Their home was always filled with guests, friends of theirs, friends of their children’s, friends of friends. Everyone found a warm welcome. Some stayed for an hour, some for months. There was always room for one more (or a dozen) at the Brown house. Together, he and Norma raised four children Randi Gurian (Charles), David Brown (Joyce), Gayle Malvin, and Steve Brown (Marla). Even more exciting was the addition of eight grandchildren Josh Gurian (Perrin Romine), Lisa Malvin, Scott Brown, Michael Malvin (Leah), Robbie Brown (Leah Pappajohn), Jordan Brown (Keith Schuman), Jason Brown, and Dylan Brown. Great granddaughters, Billie Irene Malvin, named in his honor, and Margot Jean Gurian Romine, named for his wife, Norma, truly were his newest blessings and represented the promise of the future!
Bill will be missed and remembered by his sister, Vivian Rosengard, his brother, Shelly Gibbs (Linda), a plethora of nieces and nephews, and all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him and especially those who had the privilege of loving and being loved by him.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Bill and Norma Brown Fund for Lifelong Learning at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield IL 60093 or to the charity of your choice.
We will celebrate Bill’s life at his funeral on Friday, February 16 at 10 a.m. at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment immediately following the service at Shalom Memorial Park.
For information, including a link to view the service, shiva or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Friday, February 16th at 10:00 am
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
February 26th, 2024
Mr. Brown was an incredible person with enormous integrity and energy. I feel blessed to have met him and to have learned from him. I will greatly miss his laugh and wisdom.
~Jim Grady
~Employee, A.L.P., Lake Forest, IL
February 22nd, 2024
From the first ttime I met him, Bill was always as sweet as could be. Once he heard, early on, that I loved pickled herring, it was always there for me when I went to Chicago.
What a lovely, loving, man. With the biggest smile.
Will be thinking about hime
My thoughts are still with Randi’s family
Much love, Amy
~Amy Lubelski
~Randi’s sister-in-law, Ocoee, FL
February 20th, 2024
Anytime Bill and Norma attended a family event it was always special – they always made you feel important. My condolences to the whole Brown family. Bill was an icon from that generation and cannot be replaced.
~Robert Dorfman
~Cousin, CA
February 19th, 2024
Condolences to the Brown family especially David and Steve. I remember ” Mister Brown ” Always had something insightful to say and I aways enjoyed reading The View FROM THE TOP. Back in the day. His energy and presence will be Missed.
~AL Brunner
~Employee, Skokie
February 19th, 2024
Heartfelt condolences to Dave and the Brown Family in your loss of your dad. May his memory be a blessing, and may you find some comfort during this difficult time by sharing some your most cherished thoughts & memories of your dad.
~Gary Kipnis
~Friend of Dave’s, Tucson, Arizona
February 18th, 2024
BILL and NORMA were the most loving sharers of their family and time. They were definitely, DOERS!!!! They wanted family gatherings of the extended family and when we lived near them shared some amazing times together with them and their extended families.
We are grateful for knowing them, sharing time with them and their family.
Missed more than ever.
Love and Gratitude
Cheryl & LArry
~Cheryl & Larry Schubert
~Cousins, Montgomery, Texas
February 18th, 2024
A lifetime leader of us all. Bill was a wonderful cousin who always was a joy to be with. We’ll miss you Bill and will see you on the other side.
RIP Bill
~Helen Schwartz
~Cousins, Lake Forest, IL
February 18th, 2024
Dear Mr. Brown .
Our friendship goes way back when I visit and stay with you and Norma and the hole Brown family in 1982 and then again for a short visit i 1989. I will always remember your great hospitality and kindens . Many times you callled me your adopted daughter from Denmark which I liked ❤️. You, Norma and your family will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget you . Lots og love Gitten 🇩🇰♥️🇺🇸.
~Gitten Ourø Nielsen
~Danish friend, Copenhagen, Denmark
February 18th, 2024
I started working for Mr. B when Ida retired. He was 65 years old then. Every few years he would tell me Norma thinks it’s time for him to retire. That went on for 24 years, and Finally when he was 89…It happened. I have fond memories of him and our time together. He was a wonderful Boss!
~Diane Maca
~Admin. Asst. For 24 years, Winter Garden FL
February 17th, 2024
Tom and I want to send our condolences to the Brown family. We were not with “Uncle Bill” a lot but we certainly heard fun stories. He and Norma both had big personalities and loved life. We are so sorry for your loss. Tom and Linda Maschke
~Tom & Linda Maschke
~Friends, Aurora, Ohio
February 17th, 2024
Bill picking me up at the airport in his Cadillac thoroughly enjoying our conversation as we’re speeding through the city on the way to his office, Always finishing the meeting with lunch at Bills favorite Chinese restaurant .
~Neal Verfuerth
~Bill was a long time friend, mentor and instrumental in helping me become a light fixture manufacturer, Manitowoc Wis
February 17th, 2024
He was a great man, I call him PAPA. I remembered him telling me that life is too short we are just passing.
I came to take care of him but all the time he will be asking me “Are u ok? I will respond by saying papa I should be asking u not u asking me,’ he will smile, this shows how sweet he was.
I really missed him. If I can bring him back trust me I will, but God knows all.
~philomena chukwumah
~caregiver, ill, chicago
February 16th, 2024
Bill was always full of life and compassion. I remember when I was in College, long hair and spiritual. I came and visited the Browns. Bil and Norma were always full of enthusiasm.and love. Their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all share a great legacy.
~David Arond
~Cousin, Tucson, Arizona
February 16th, 2024
Bill was a truly remarkable man. He accepted us as his friends and business associates immediately many years ago. We will miss him.
~Jodi & Steve Lopata
~family friends, Highland Park, Illinois
February 16th, 2024
I have great memories of Mr. Brown stopping by our customer service department with sharing stories, analogies and positive vibes.
He always said ” The average person cannot handle what we do.”
Mr. Brown will always be remembered.
~Sheri Harmon
~Employee for ALP Lighting, Schaumburg, IL
February 16th, 2024
A wonderful friend at the Vi in Glenview for11 years. We had dinner on Monday nights for a long time. My family was so sad when I told them about Bill. I will not be at the funeral.I am in Ft Lauderdale for a granddaughters water polo tournament. We will miss you Bill.
~Lynd Corley
~Friend, Glenview, IL
February 16th, 2024
I worked for Bill and with Bill for many years. He called me every day and I learned a great deal from him about sales, business and life.
I called him in December and thanked him for being a mentor to me and for teaching me so much.
Until we meet again.
~Kurt Puffpaff
~Extended family, Charlevoix Michigan
February 16th, 2024
Mr Brown was a very nice man, always smiling working for him within a short period of time was memorable. May you Rest in peace Amen.
~Nikky
~Caregiver (TheKey Agency), Chicago IL
February 16th, 2024
My condolences to the Brown family and especially Steve and David.
~William Borenstein
~, Highland Park, Illinois 60035
February 15th, 2024
Man of generosity, graciousness, humor and determination
He shall be missed.
~Mark Levy
~Friend and colleague, Northbrook
February 15th, 2024
WE MET IN SEPTEMBER 1972 AND DEVELOPED A LONG-LASTING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP AND MORE IMPORTANTLY A FRIENDSHIP. BILL WAS INSPIRATIONAL AND HIS PERSONALITY WAS ALWAYS UPLIFTING. HE ALWAYS MADE EVERYONE FEEL IMPORTANT. BILL WAS A A BRILLIANT BUSINESSMAN, A DEVOTED FAMILY MAN AND AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.
IN OUR INDUSTRY, HE TRULY IS THE “GOAT” GREATEST OF ALL TIME.
~ROBERT F FIERMUGA
~FRIEND, SCHILLER PARK
February 15th, 2024
I love what is written above about Uncle Bill and I smiled when I read it because that is what he and Aunt Norma brought to the faces of anyone lucky enough to know them. I was invited by my Aunt and Uncle to join them on one of their Ranch trips and we had a blast! What I remember most however was how I felt, right away I was treated like family and every time I saw Uncle Bill and Aunt Norma following that trip it was like no time had passed. Uncle Bill had an infectious smile and a true zest for life. I am going to miss him but am so happy he is with Aunt Norma again and even luckier to have know them. My heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew him, especially his family. Sending love and hugs to all. -Christy
~Christy Maschke
~Honorary Family Membee, Cleveland, Ohio
February 15th, 2024
Sincere and deepest sympathy to all family and friends. Bill was a long time friend, a member of our Gung Ho couples club. He will be missed.
~Judy Clar
~Friend, Des Plaines
February 15th, 2024
I swill always remember Bill as one big smile. Our friendship goes back to the AEPhi club when our daughters graduated from Illinois.,
We had many dinners, lunches, family events together with Bill and Norma with my husband Herb. Later a wonderful relationship with my husband Glenn. He will be missed by many.
Margie
~Margie Friedman Heyman. And Glenn Heyman
~Old friend, Palm Beach Gardens Fl
February 15th, 2024
Most grateful, Bill provided an opportunity that shaped my life for thirty years.
~David Michaelis
~Employee, Lansdale, PA
February 15th, 2024
I will always remember Bill, smiling telling jokes, happiest man ever him, and my dad were very dear close friends, a pleasure to know him
~Terri White (Eisenberg)
~Family friend, Sun City AZ
February 15th, 2024
Mr Brown was always kind to me whether it was at a vendor outing when I worked for Cooper Lighting or when I was an employee at ALP. He definitely was always a pleasure to be around and to learn from.
~Jim Moyd
~Employee at ALP, Newnan, GA
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