David G. Browning

David Gunter Browning, 88, passed away at his home in Kingston, Rhode Island. Born in South Kingstown, RI, David was the youngest son of Dr. Harold W. Browning and Mary E. (Williams) Browning. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Harold W. Browning Jr., Ralph Browning, and Beatrice Parker.

David was a gifted student whose interest in acoustics began in physics class at South Kingstown High School. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island and obtained his graduate degree from Michigan State University. David’s career spanned thirty years in acoustic research, garnering international attention and work opportunities in Vancouver, B.C., Auckland, NZ, the Red Sea and Lake Tanganyika - to the delight of the stamp collectors in the family. David was also affiliated with the University of Connecticut as a research scientist. He retired from the Naval Underwater Warfare Center to join the Physics Department at URI where he taught until his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 2016. David‘s exceptional life achievements were recognized by fellowships and life memberships in numerous organizations, including the U.S. Naval Institute, American Acoustical Society, and Navy League of the United States. In 2020 he was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who.

David grew up sailing and fishing on Potter Pond, instilling in him a lifelong love of the ocean. He also loved gardening and growing vegetables, flowers and trees, and sharing his garden’s bounty with others. He especially enjoyed his years as a judge for the RI and Connecticut State Science Fairs. In retirement David’s acoustics research did not stop. He enjoyed researching animals, including research into equine and other vocalizations. Studying and recording the horse and donkey population at the Browning Homestead Farm in Matunuck, David was loved by his research subjects not only for the treats he always brought them, but for his kind attention and ear scratches.

Memories of the best days of summer spent at his parents’ summer home on Matunuck Beach Rd and Potter Pond with reunions of an ever-growing family will remain with the family members he leaves behind. David is survived by nieces and nephews Betsy Parker, Bill Browning (Roberta), Carolyn Maxwell (Brian), Peter Parker, Ralph Browning, Martha Schock (John), Thomas Browning, Christopher Browning (Marie) and MaryEllen Browning (Robin). David was predeceased by his niece Susan Rudzin. David leaves many great and great-great nieces and nephews scattered coast to coast and internationally who will keep him in their hearts and always appreciate his fun-loving spirit, sense of humor, practical jokes and many kindnesses.

Respecting David’s wishes, there were no services and burial was private. Gifts in David's memory may be made to the University of Rhode Island, Mary Williams Browning Memorial Microbiology Scholarship or the Harold W. Browning Endowment, or to any of the scholarships established by David at Michigan State University. Contributions may be sent to the URI Foundation at PO Box 1700, Kingston, RI 02881, payable to URI Foundation with a note in the memo line.