Stephen Brown

Rensselaer- Stephen A. Brown, age 85, passed away peacefully at Albany Medical Center on Saturday, August 31, 2024. He was born in Albany, to the late Ulster D. and Grace M. (Toms) Brown and for the first five years of his life lived in East Greenbush, and later lived the remainder of his life in Rensselaer.

 Steve was a 1956 graduate of Van Rensselaer High School. He would go on to serve in the Navy Reserves from 1957 -1962. Upon his honorable discharge, he studied Architecture at Hudson Valley Community College, which led him into his career as an architect, spanning from 1962-2007. Steve worked in the private sector but primarily for the State of New York, Office of General Services. Steve was a proud member of the Toy Train Operating Society #53C, as well as the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Adirondack 46rs.

Steve was an avid hiker, canoeist and cyclist. He has climbed the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. He took his family on many camping/canoeing trips in the Adirondack Mountains. He enjoyed long bike rides including century rides (100 miles) as well as bicycle camping. As he got older, he enjoyed sail boating and camping in his airstream trailer.

Steve was highly creative and had several hobbies including sandal making, toy train collecting, gardening and photography. He had many of his photographs featured in the local Photo Regionals in Albany. An article about his train layout was featured in Classic Toy Trains magazine. He was a self-taught man, preferring to research his interests himself. He was an avid reader and had special interest in the history of the Civil War and holocaust. He loved all animals but especially his dogs: Mandy, Beau, Mishka and Cooper. A beautiful cat named Snowpaws adopted him a couple years ago and they were extremely close. Steve will be remembered as a quick-witted, bright, and funny soul.

 He will be greatly missed by his adored children, Teresa Lee (Joanna M. Robin) Brown of Crozet, Virginia, James Arthur (Sookie Lyn) Brown of Ashville, North Carolina, David Alan (Rebecca) Brown of Andover, Kansas, and his beloved companion Katherine Wilson. He was the brother of Richard (Barbara Jo) Brown of York, Pennsylvania, Lorraine (Daniel) Doedema of Rensselaer. Brother-in-law to Mary Francis George of Rensselaer, Eileen Miller of East Greenbush, Elizabeth (Joseph) Farrell of Troy, Cindy Brown of Pendleton, Indiana. Grandchildren: Brandon Arthur Brown (Brett) of Rockland, Massachusetts and their new baby Caiden H. Brown (great grandchild), Christienne Lee Brown of East Boston, Massachusetts. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

 Along with his parents he is also predeceased by his wife, Margaret M. (Conroy) Brown; his siblings, Nancy Cooney (Richard), Russell Brown, Alan Brown and brothers in law, John Conroy (Jean), Lawrence Conroy (survives, to JoAnn Erhardt-Conroy) of Phoenix Az and Thomas Conroy.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call to the W.J. Lyons, Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 10am-12pm. Words of Remembrance will be offered at 12 noon. Burial immediately following in New Rural Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd. Rensselaer, NY 12144 or The Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society, mohawkhumane.org