Charles G. Brown

It is with great sadness and heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the passing of a great husband, father, and friend Charles G. Brown.  Charlie passed away peacefully with family by his side the morning of November 21, 2018.

He was born in High Point, NC and moved to Washington, DC where he met his wife, Mary Frances Fantasia.  They married on May 2, 1959 and started their life together.  Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Mary, six children, Michael Brown and Sherry (wife of Michael), Robert Brown, David Brown and Cindy (wife of David), Cindy Wendt and Pete (Husband of Cindy), Jennifer Stone and David (Husband of Jennifer), and Julie Brown. Charlie is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael, Lesley, Shelby, Hannah, Claudia, Hunter, Eliot, and Lucas as well as Great Grandchildren on the way.

Charlie is API's founder and opened the doors of Charles G. Brown Inc. in Maryland, 1965.  Operating as a sole proprietorship in the formative years of the company, Charlie eventually brought on additional team members, including his son Michael Brown and longtime family friend Leo Boone to help grow the business, which included a name change. Originally focusing on emblematic jewelry, Charlie and the team eventually added additional products and services to the API portfolio, including branded merchandise, screen printing, and embroidery to name only a few. Over the years API has continued to evolve into one of the top Branded Merchandise Companies in the United States, receiving top awards from both clients and respected industry publications. API currently sits at number 31 on the Promo Magazine Top 50 list.  API would not exist if it were not for Charlie. The relationships that we have built with our clients, our suppliers, and our friends on the API team all started with him. For that, we are eternally grateful.  Always quick with a witty retort as well as an intelligent solution to any challenge, Charlie always made an impression on whoever he met. Charlie was a mentor and friend to many and kept an active role behind the scenes over the years for which we are all appreciative and grateful.

Please join us on Friday, November 30, 2018 for a Celebration of Life Mass at 10:30am and Gathering at 11:30am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Charlie's memory, to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org.