- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Pittsfield Today
By the People, for the People
Longtime Boston Globe Editor Ralph E. Brown III Dies at 81
Brown was a member of First Parish in Hingham and served as vice president of the parish.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Ralph E. Brown III, a retired Boston Globe technology editor, died on February 4, 2026, at the age of 81. Brown was a member of First Parish in Hingham, Unitarian Universalist, and served as vice president of the parish from 2010 to 2012. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Ballou Channing district of the Unitarian Universalist Association, serving as secretary from 2013 to 2015. Brown was a lifelong sailor and a member of Hull Yacht Club, where he served as vice commodore from 2012 to 2013.
Why it matters
Brown's passing marks the end of an era for the Boston Globe, where he worked as a technology editor for over 15 years. His involvement in the Unitarian Universalist community and the sailing community in Hingham also highlights his dedication to his local community.
The details
During his time at the Boston Globe, Brown helped manage the relationship between reporters, editors, and photographers and the computer systems they used to produce the newspaper. He also managed the Globe's type library. Prior to the Globe, Brown worked for Atex, Inc., a maker of newspaper publishing systems, as a trainer and product manager. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a photographer from 1965 to 1969, including 18 months in Thailand and Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
- Ralph E. Brown III died on February 4, 2026.
- Brown served as vice president of First Parish in Hingham from 2010 to 2012.
- Brown served as secretary of the board of directors of the Ballou Channing district of the Unitarian Universalist Association from 2013 to 2015.
- Brown served as vice commodore of Hull Yacht Club from 2012 to 2013.
- Brown retired from the Boston Globe in 2009 and began part-time work at the Apple Store in Hingham that year, resigning in 2011 to take a road trip to California.
The players
Ralph E. Brown III
A retired Boston Globe technology editor who died on February 4, 2026, at the age of 81.
First Parish in Hingham, Unitarian Universalist
The church where Brown was a member and served as vice president from 2010 to 2012.
Ballou Channing district of the Unitarian Universalist Association
The district where Brown served on the board of directors as secretary from 2013 to 2015.
Hull Yacht Club
The yacht club where Brown was a member and served as vice commodore from 2012 to 2013.
Atex, Inc.
The maker of newspaper publishing systems where Brown worked as a trainer and product manager before joining the Boston Globe.
What’s next
A Remembrance Service will be held on Saturday, March 7th at 2 PM at First Parish Hingham/Old Ship Church, 90 Main Street in Hingham. The service will be livestreamed at https://zoom.us/j/94971146149, and a reception will follow.
The takeaway
Ralph E. Brown III's life and career exemplify the lasting impact that dedicated, community-minded individuals can have, both in their professional roles and through their involvement in local organizations. His passing is a loss for the Boston Globe, the Unitarian Universalist community, and the sailing community in Hingham, all of which benefited from his expertise, leadership, and passion.
