Paul Appleton Brown, a renowned businessman and beloved husband and father, passed away on January 7, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on April 1, 1938, in Boston, MA.
Paul prepared at Newton High School in Newton, MA before attending Harvard College where he was a member of Leverett House and the Class of 1960 and from which he earned his B.A. degree, concentrating in Chemistry. He went on to Tufts Medical School from which he received his M.D. in 1964 and then, completed his pathology residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Hospital in New York. His direct involvement as a doctor was limited to an 18-month stint as Chief of Pathology for the U.S. Navy.
From medicine, Paul moved into business starting MetPath,Inc. which rapidly grew into one of the largest medical laboratories in the world. MetPath was finally sold to Corning Glass Works in 1982.
Paul and his wife, Cynthia, raised their children, Richard and Mark, in Ridgewood, NJ. After he sold MetPath (morphed into Quest Diagnostics), they moved to Florida, where Paul started HearUSA. He was a visionary entrepreneur who aimed to improve the industry by encouraging better standards, education and lower prices.
Paul was an avid tennis player and a passionate educator. He gave lectures at Loggerhead Marine Life Center entitled “Science for Seniors” and later taught swimming to adults who had never learned to swim and had a fear of the water.
Paul and Cynthia spent 62 wonderful years together. They also have three grandchildren, David, Kevin, and Leah.
A private service was held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Planned Parenthood, or Ballen Isle charities.
