Matthew (Matt) Theodore Brown, 70, was born in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 1955. Matt passed away at home in Altamonte Springs, Fla., Wednesday, January 15, 2026.

Matt was a graduate of Suitland High School, Class of 1974 where he served as Student Government President. Matt married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Helwig on March 14, 1975 in District Heights, Maryland and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Working as a General Contractor, he was a co-founder of G & M General Improvements along with his father-in-law George Helwig in 1976, later renamed to Matthew T. Brown Construction Co. following George's retirement. Matt retired after suffering a stroke in 2019.

Matt enjoyed spending time with his sons and was active with them in Little League, YMCA and Boy Scouts where he served as Scout Master of Troop 205. He was an active member of the community where he was appointed to the Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission and to the Seminole County Port Authority; roles he took great pride in. Matt enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Joanne, exploring The United States, Canada, Europe, Antarctica and National Parks.

Inspired at a young age, Matt was the driving force behind elaborate Christmas displays at his homes on Riviera Drive and Variety Tree Circle. He built a gas-powered four car Christmas train, track, candy cane fence and displayed thousands of lights that many still talk about to this day.

Having worked as a Coca-Cola delivery man before moving to Florida, he loved sharing stories of his adventures around D.C. and getting to deliver Coca-Cola to the White House and Agriculture Secretary. Matt was always willing to help anyone with anything they needed. His kindness and love of storytelling will be remembered long after his passing.


Matt was the devoted husband of Joanne (Helwig) Brown; loving father of Michael (Jamie) Brown of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, Douglas (Beth) Brown of Maitland, Florida and Russell (Carrie) Brown of Apopka, Florida; and beloved Pa to his granddaughters Quinn, Blaire, Katherine, and Abigail.

He is preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Annabelle (Nissen) Brown, and brothers Charles Brown and David Brown.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, survivors include his brothers, Andrew (Chris) Brown of Solomons, Maryland, and Gregory (Mary Anne) Brown of Winter Springs, Florida; and sisters-in-law Pamela (the late David) Brown of Frederick, Maryland, and Mary Jean (the late Charles) of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and numerous nieces and nephews.