DEATH SHOCKS NORWICH.  Photo shows the late Perry Brown, editor of the Norwich Sun, seated at his desk a year ago on taking over his new duties.  His death, at a testimonial tea at the Norwich High School late Thursday afternoon, has greatly shocked this community in which he had spent his entire life.

PERRY BROWNE

(1951)

Death Comes Suddenly At Reception

Writer Was Attending Testimonial at High School for Adwards

   Norwich, March 1, - Perry Browne, 49, editor and general manage of the Norwich Sun, died suddenly about 4:20 this afternoon while attending a reception at Norwich High School.

   Mr. Browne was chatting with Ray Gallinger, a Norwich newspaperman, when he suddenly fell over sideways and rested his head in the lap of a lady who sat next to him.  Friends rushed to his aid, including Miss Mary Blakely, a nurse, who was in the group.  A physician was called but Mr. Browne was beyond aid.  Mr. Browne had not previously complained of feeling ill.  It is believed death was due to a heart attack.

   The reception at which Mr. Browne died was a tea in honor of Carl Adwards, a school custodian, who was being feted on the 30th anniversary of his employment at the school.  Mr. Browne has just arranged for a picture of the event with a photographer and had resumed his seat when he collapsed.

   Mr. Browne, who was a native of Elmira, had been associated with the Norwich Sun for 34 years.  He had worked at his office most of today before attending the testimonial for Adwards.

   Mr. Browne, who was formerly city editor of the Sun, took over the post of managing editor Feb. 5, 1950, following the death of P. L. Clark, who had been the paper's editor for many years.  Coming to the paper in 1917, Mr. Browne had always taken an active part in civic affairs.  His son, William Browne, was associated with him in the editorial department.

   Mr. Browne attended Norwich schools and after graduating from high school joined the Sun, where he wrote sports and later general news.  He was named city editor in 1945.

   Survivors include his widow, Grace K. Browne, and a son William, both of Norwich; two sisters, Marion and Mildred Browne and a brother, Robert, all of Scranton, Pa.

   The death of the popular editor has stunned the community in which he worked so many years.  He was a member of the First Congregational Church, the Norwich Club and several other organizations in the city.

   No arrangements for the funeral had been made tonight.  The body was removed to the George J. Devine Funeral Home.

NOTE:  THE DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE.  THE SPELLING OF BROWNE AND BROWN ARE AS THEY APPEAR IN THE ARTICLE.