John M. Brown

John M. Brown
Age 79, of Irelandville Rd. Watkins Glen, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 15, 2014. John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Danna Brown; daughters, Megan (Eli) Ross of Vernon, CT, Kristen (Ken) Weinberger of Long Valley, NJ, and Bethany Brown (Brad Smith) of Watkins Glen; seven grandchildren, Finley, Katherine and Meredith Ross, Jillian and Evan Weinberger, and Liam and Ewan Smith; two sisters, Sarah Everett of Prague, Czech Republic, and Susan Brown-Sandberg (Philip Sandberg) of Hammondsport, NY, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Wanda Brown; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Barbara Griffiths. John graduated from Williamson High School in Tioga, PA. He then entered the US Marine Corps where he played saxophone in the Marine Corps band at many memorable functions including playing for the Queen of England and at the Orange Bowl. After his service years he joined the Mansfield Marauders, an award winning drill team. He then changed his course in life and completed his undergraduate degree at Mansfield State College and his Masters in Education from Elmira College. He went on to teach history at Watkins Glen High School for many years, and then went on to Cargill, Inc., retiring after 20 years. In retirement, he frequently worked for Hazlitt’s Winery and R&L Perry Construction. As a member of the community, he joined the Lake Country Players and performed in a number of musicals, among them Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Cheaper by the Dozen, and the Music Man. His life-long love of music followed him as he continued as a long-time member of the Watkins Glen First Presbyterian Church Choir and also the Mark Twain Barbershop Chorus. In his earlier years, John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. He was always a voracious reader and loved puzzles, crossword, Sudoku, and jigsaw which he regularly completed one row at a time. John was always supportive of all that his family was involved in. He found great joy and pride in supporting his daughters at swim meets and various other sports and activities. The addition of grandchildren to the family intensified his love and support of all family activities. He will always be remembered for his great smile and gentle ways. The family will receive visitors at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Thursday, September 18th, from 6:00-8:00 pm. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held Friday at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, followed by a celebration of his life at the Seneca Lodge Lake House. Memorial donations may be made in John's memory to the Seneca View SNF, 220 Steuben St., Montour Falls, NY 14865 or a charity of one's choice. You may express your condolences or sign a guestbook online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.