ONTARIO – (INT) – A memorial service was held Saturday for supermarket icon and philanthropist Jack H. Brown.

The service was at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

Brown died November 13th in San Bernardino.

Mr. Brown had a 65-year career in the grocery industry, much of it as President and Chief Executive Officer of Stater Bros. Markets and most recently as Executive Chairman. He began his career as a box boy at Berk’s Market Spot in San Bernardino at the age of thirteen.

As a US Navy Veteran, Mr. Brown served with the Pacific Fleet during the Vietnam era. Brown received the “Patriot Award” in 2011, the highest award the Congressional Medal of Honor Society bestows upon an individual. He was one of ten Distinguished Americans to receive the 1992 “Horatio Alger Award” in recognition of his outstanding contributions to America.

Mr. Brown established Stater Bros. Charities, the philanthropic arm of Stater Bros. Markets. Brown was a founder of the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino, and the Founding Chairman of Children’s Fund of San Bernardino County.

Most recently, the California State University Board of Trustees named the “Jack H. Brown” College of Business and Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife Debbie, three daughters; J. Kathleen Smith (Michael Smith), Cara Hoffman (Scott Hoffman) and Melissa Koss (Pete Koss). He has seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Colleen, Caden, Dylan, Julianna, Jack Ryan and Emma.

Story Date: December 6, 2016