William Hugh Browne, 81

Chief Boatswain's Mate William Hugh Browne, of Wareham, passed away on January 24, 2026 at the age of 81. He was the son of the late Muriel (Layton) and Hugh W. Browne.

Bill was born on March 14, 1944 and grew up in Walpole. He attended Austin Cate Academy in Strafford, NH. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1964. Bill was a Vietnam War Veteran. He continued on to have a lengthy 23 year career in the Coast Guard, retiring onboard USCG Spencer as Chief Boatswain’s Mate in 1987.

Bill was a funny man known for his banter. He had a love of animals and always fed the stray cats.

Bill was the brother of Thomas Browne and his wife Kathy of Walpole, Linda M. Browne and her husband Scott Stover of Wareham, Dianne Bamber and her husband Gary of Chatham, Melanie Browne-Klein and her husband Norman of West Wareham, Pamela Ann Bulis and her husband Robert of Wareham, the late Alan Browne, and the late Fred Browne. Former brother-in-law of Kathy Browne of Onset. He is also survived by his dear friend Mary Agnes Flannigan of Maryland, his friends from the Mill Pond Diner and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 7th from 12:00PM-3:00PM at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28).

Per Bill’s request, please do not send flowers.