Ronald C. “Ron” Brown, 89, a lifelong Norwich resident died on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Ron was born on February 21, 1934, in Norwich, a son of the late Garrett and Blanche (Elander) Brown. He graduated from Norwich High School in 1952 and later attended SUNY Canton where he earned his associates degree. Ron had a variety of sales positions that took him and his family across the region and to Long Island for several years. He worked for Singer Sewing Machines, Smith Ford, Rich Plan Frozen Foods and Equipment, and eventually for Bob Taylor selling Delaval Milking Machines and Products. Ron eventually bought the business from Bob Taylor and renamed it “Barbaron” where he continued his relationships selling directly to local farmers Delaval products. In his retirement, Ron had a part-time job driving bus for Opportunities for Chenango.
On January 9, 1955, Ron married Barbara “Barb” Meade, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Together, they would have seven children.
Ron, with his good friend, George Blood, were very active in Boy Scouts Troop 62. He would take the troops camping all year, never letting the snow stop the fun. He was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich. He enjoyed going to the casino, solving logic problem books, reading, making model railroads and enjoyed his many October trips to Florida with Barb. Most of all, Ron will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and always being ready to tell a joke.
In addition to his wife, Barb, Ron is survived by his children, Tim (Corazon) Brown, of Melbourne, FL, Kim (Kevin) Curnalia of Norwich, Mark Brown of Quakertown, PA, Scott (Audra) Brown of Leominster, MA, Tammy (Steve) Rumsey of Norwich, and Tom (Linda Makowiecki) Brown of Churchville, NY; grandchildren, Joseph (Heather) Brown, John (Ricki) Brown, Lindsey (Chris) Wilkinson, Nick (Stephanie) Curnalia, Thomas (Kelsey) Curnalia, Travis Brown, Trevor (Jennifer) Brown, Megan Brown, Nycole (Keith) Hunter, Monyka Brown, Karyn Brown, Alicia Brown, Andrea (Joseph) Amico, Taylor Meade Brown, Gary Easler, Sarah (Casey) Love, Audra (Jeff) Kelley, Michael Brown, Ryan Brown, Bethany Brown, and Kathryn Mondore; a sister, Nadene Whitney; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased in death by his son, Terry, in 1996; sister-in-law, Dorothy Lewicki; brother-in-laws, Frederick Whitney and Henry Lewicki; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Curnalia.
A graveside service for Ron will be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery in the spring of 2024. Contributions in his memory may be made to Boy Scout Troop 62, 17 Eric Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.