John D. “Downtown” Brown, 89, of Holyoke, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024 at his home. He was born in Holyoke, a son of the late John and Jeannette (Beaudoin) Brown and graduated from the former Saint Jerome High School, where he excelled in football, while also working at Riverside Dairy. He was a retired owner/operator in the Transportation field, working for numerous companies throughout his career, the last being J.P. Noonan. He worked until the age of 73, and in 2010 he was given the Golden Achievement Award from the American Truck Historical Society. John’s passions were trucks, cars of all ages, weightlifting, and playing Santa Claus for family, friends and local charities. He also has 49 years of sobriety. He is survived by two daughters: Gail (Arthur) Cranshaw of Holyoke and Suzanne (William) Sullivan of Easthampton; 6 grandchildren: Nicholas Cranshaw and Michael Cranshaw, both of Holyoke, Ashley (Kevin) May of Westfield, Christine (Will) Noel of Quincy, William (Marquie) Sullivan II of Belchertown, and Patricia Killeen of Greenfield, and many great grandchildren. He also leaves a daughter-in-law Elaine Brown of Ormand, FL. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by a brother, Richard Brown, three sons: David, James and Michael Brown, and a granddaughter Sarah Marie Brown. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 30th at 10:30 in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, South Hadley. Calling hours will be held Monday, July 29th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.