Alfred S. Brown, age 85 passed away February 3, 2025 surrounded by his family, while under the care of Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. A spring graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Frary Funeral Home, 33 Park St., Gouverneur.
Alfred was born on April 6, 1939 in the town of Oswegatchie, NY the son of the late Emerson R. and Margaret Pike Brown. At the age of six months he and his parents move to his current home at 279 Cole Road, Gouverneur. He attended school at the Cole School and graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1956. Alfred was known for his active participation in FFA and Agricultural courses during his high school years. At age seven he was driving machinery and taking on more responsibilities of the farm chores. He continued to remain on the family farm after graduating from high school. He was an avid welder and mechanic, but his love for the land and animals were first and foremost of his work.
On July 29, 1967 Alfred married Linda M. Keyes and together they continued to operate the family homestead in a family business with his parents and his brother with a total of four farms. He retired from milking in 2004 due to surgery but he continued to help his brother daily with his farm until 2013 when his brother retired. Alfred was nick named “The Boss” and was considered the “Main spoke of the wheel” in the family farm and farm operation. His response was “We’re all in it together”.
Alfred enjoyed his family and loved playing with his grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and loved to play tricks on family and friends all in fun. Electronics was of great interest to him and he enjoyed learning about and using computers, TV’s, and antique tractors. Alfred was also noted for his desire to learn more and would stress the importance of reading to learn. He called his computer “His window to the world”.
Alfred is survived by his children, a son, Russell and Donna Brown of Harrisville, a daughter Renee Brown Smith and her companion Jason “Grizz” Risley of Gouverneur, two grand daughters RiKayla Brown of Harrisville, Janay Smith of Gouverneur, two step grand children Delinda and Corey LaRock of Williamstown, Derek and Brittany Hubbard of Gouverneur, three great grandchildren Alexandra and Ty Thomas, Trey and Dominique LaRock, Aden Hubbard, two great great grandchildren Emerson and Atlas Thomas. A brother Robert J. and Linda E. Brown, of Gouverneur, a sister Dorothy Dana of Lowville, also two sister in laws Lois York of Massena, and Sharon Keyes of Gouverneur. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The United Church of Richville, Maple Grove Cemetery Association or the Richville First Responders.
Online condolences may be shared with Alred’s family at www.fraryfuneralhome.com