In Memory of Bernard A. Brown

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) is mourning the loss of friend, advocate and longtime supporter, Bernard (Bernie) Brown, who passed earlier this year.

Over 90 years ago, Bernard’s family fled Europe from religious persecution, settling in Philadelphia and then Vineland, New Jersey. In 1932, his father, Israel Brown, established a hauling company and, soon after, Bernard became a trailblazer in the trucking industry. His vision led to one of the largest and most successful, family-owned and operated, third-party logistics companies in North America known as NFI. Based in Camden, NFI has diversified into multiple service offerings, including dedicated transportation, distribution, brokerage, transportation management, port drayage, intermodal, global logistics and real estate. 

In addition to their unwavering commitment to family and giving back to others, Bernard and his wife of almost 70 years, Shirlee, were devoted to advancing causes close to home, which included support of Cooper University Hospital (CUH) and CMSRU. Over the years, their four children–Anne Koons, Ike, Sid, and Jeff Brown–and their families have embraced Bernard’s philanthropic spirit and continue to support CUH and CMSRU.

Bernard and Shirlee led the effort to establish the Dr. Edward D. Viner Intensive Care Unit at CUH in recognition of the professional and compassionate patient care many have received at Cooper and in appreciation of Dr. Viner, the Browns’ family physician since 1965.

Subsequently, the Brown family has contributed to a number of efforts and initiatives at CMSRU since its opening, including vital support for the scholarship fund and the establishment of The Bernard and Shirlee Brown Endowed Fund for the Center for Humanism.

Additionally, memorial funds totaling $15,000 were donated to CMSRU in honor of Bernard and his family’s legacy with plans to develop a scholarship.

Dr. Viner, Founding Director of the Center for Humanism at CMSRU noted, “These inspirational contributions are a testament to Mr. and Mrs. Brown’s compassion and respect for others as well as their desire to advance medical education in a community they called home.”