The Reverend Barton Brown, Ph.D. died May 21, 2026 with his wife Jann of 70 years at his side. He is remembered as a devoted and faithful pastor in the congregations where he served. Father Brown was rector at Holy Trinity Church in West Orange, New Jersey for over 30 years, and for 13 years at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Born in Manhattan in 1935, Father Brown always loved the city and returned frequently with his wife and daughters, Julie and Betsy, to visit museums, enjoy theater and attend the ballet. An alumnus of New York University with an undergraduate degree in Education and a Ph.D. in medieval history, he was prepared for the priesthood at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York. Father Brown was known for his sharp intellect and reserved manners.
In addition to his wife and two daughters, Father Brown is survived by two cherished grandsons, Clifford Barton Thompson and Samuel Norman Thompson, and two great grandsons, Clifford and Charles. A service was held June 3 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Trinity Episcopal Church Outreach Fund.
Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, Manasquan.
The article originally appeared in the June 4 – 10, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
