Richard Q. Brown, age 81, passed away March 10, 2024, at Wilson Hospital, Binghamton.
Richard Brown was an enigma of a man, best describe by both the words grumpy and selfless. He was likely to greet you with what looked like a scowl, but in truth would do anything to help anyone. His favorite game was Phase 10: he acted angry and competitive, but everyone knew it was for the entertainment of the family - he never turned down a family game night.
Richard was born in Downsville May 16, 1942, to Emmett Brown and Ida Tobey. Richard married Louise Price Feb. 25, 1961; they were married for 63 years.
Some people search an entire lifetime for a love that Richard found when he was 18. A love like that, not only found so early but that stood the test of time, is rare. Their family is happy to have grown up with it as an example. Richard’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were able to spend a lot of time with their pops, learning from a great man and a great example of marriage. His youngest great-grandchildren, Maycie and Elyus, were his best friends and their time together was invaluable.
Richard worked for Breakstones for 34 years and recently for Stanton’s Towing and Recovery.
Richard enjoyed his coffee club where he gathered with friends. In the evening you could always find Richard sitting along Delaware Street watching traffic with his wife in the passenger seat.
He is survived by his loving family, his wife Louise, daughters Anita (Shawn) Darling and Jody Brown of Walton, four grandchildren, Hooter (Ashlei) Brown, Cari (Alex) Covell, Shawn Michael (Michelle) Darling, and Chelsea Darling; great-grandchildren Tyler Brown, Shayden Covell, Blair Brown, Amelia Darling, Paizlee Darling, Bryson Covell, Maycie Darling, and Elyus Covell. Richard is also survived by several nieces.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Orin Brown and David Brown, and his parents Emmett Brown and Ida Tobey Brown.
Richard was a man of strong opinions and values. In his parting of the world, it’s important to share one of his favorite rules. His wife Louise says, “Being late was never an option. If you weren’t ready you were left.” He said, “It didn’t take any more effort to be late than it did to be on time.”
During this time of grief, the family has been met with so much love and gratitude for which they are eternally grateful. A friend said, “What a man. Thankful for his gruff exterior and fabulous love.” Richard Brown was a good man and that’s how his family would like him to be remembered, for his comical gruff exterior and the fabulous love that had no bounds.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Walton, Townsend Street, Saturday, March 16; visitation at 10, service at 11.
Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton.
Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.courtneyfh.com
