Philip D. Brown

Born in Pitcher, NY on March 31, 1936, Phil was a son of the late Crumbwell and Ethel Foster Brown.  A lifelong resident of the area, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Port Crane.  He operated a dairy farm in Willet for his entire life and was a member of several farm agencies throughout Cortland County.  He was also a former member of the Gideon’s, and past school board member for the Cincinnatus Central School and the Cincinnatus Christian Academy.  He previously served as assessor for the Town of Willet and as fire commissioner for Willet Fire District.  He enjoyed baseball both as a fan and player and was even scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates but elected to operate the dairy farm as his profession.  Phil was very active in the community and until his health prevented, was a faithful goer to the local coffee shops with his many friends.  Together they would attempt to solve the problems of the world, however, the conversations usually turned to a spiritual nature and he would often be referred to as “Preacher Brown.”  Phil loved God, his family and his friends.  His door was always open and the coffee pot was always on.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Joanne Brown, and his children, Darrell (Mary) Brown of Homer, Bradley (Michelle) Brown of Endicott, Rebecca (Joseph) Laudig of Willet, Duane (Darlene) Brown of Concord, NC, Charity Brown, Aaron (Heather Hill) Brown, Nathan (Karen) Brown, all of Whitney Point, and David Brown of Seoul, S. Korea.  He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and his sisters, Nancy (Rodney) Schultes of Mt. Upton, Norma (Jack) Stafford of Cincinnatus, Alice (Mike) Loparco of Cortland, and Alisha (James Stafford) Jencks of Cincinnatus; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by seven brothers and one sister.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Port Crane, 38 Canal Street, Binghamton, NY on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. with his pastor, Reverend Daniel Baker officiating.  Burial will be in Old Center Cemetery, Pharsalia, at the convenience of the family.  The family will be present to receive friends at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Phil was a strong proponent of Christian education and the family has requested that expressions of sympathy in memory of Phil be directed to the Central Baptist Christian Academy, 1606 State Route 12, Binghamton, NY 13901.