Richard A. Brown Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard A. Brown, 85, of State Highway 10, Caroga Lake passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021, at the St. Johnsville Rehab. & Nursing Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Albany on June 11, 1936, a son of Sheriff John and Georgianna Hayward Brown and moved to Rockwood as a child. Richard was a 1954 graduate of Johnstown High School and was a lifelong area resident. Mr. Brown was a dedicated police officer for the City of Gloversville for thirty-six years and retired in 1991. He was known fondly as the handsome red-haired cop. He was also a certified electrician. Richard served in the US Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1961. Mr. Brown was a member of the Gloversville Free Methodist Church for over fifty years and served as a deacon and on the Board of Trustees. He had a personal and committed relationship with God. Richard was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Johnstown. He was a member and served as president of the Police Benevolent Assoc. in Gloversville. He was also a member of the NRA. Mr. Brown was a gifted classical pianist. He also enjoyed hiking with his dog, Ranger, and riding his recumbent bicycle, which he handcrafted well before it was popular. Richard used the bicycle for his century (100 mile) rides, which he completed on an annual basis. He also participated in powerlifting and bodybuilding. Richard married his sweetheart of 54 years, Bonnie Archinal on March 29, 1958. As they shared their lives, their family grew and we all treasured the gift of our parents. Bonnie died on January 9, 2012. Richard then married Carolyn Murray Illsley and they shared the gift of caring and growing older together. In addition to Carolyn, survivors include three beloved daughters, Candace (Dennis) Opalka, Penny (Carl) Rivenburg, and Vanessa (Max) Rulison; two stepchildren, Douglas (Lynn) Illsley and DiAnne (John) Mott; a brother, Ronald “Ronny” (Millie) Brown; eleven treasured grandchildren, Jennifer (Jim) Steele, Alexander (Lauren) Robbins, Sarah (Mike) Forthman, Marci (Tom) Carey, Megan (Eric) Johnson, Andrew (Cassi) Miller, Kyle (Madison) Rivenburg, Jordan Rivenburg (Mike), Sydney Rivenburg (Brandon), Molly Rulison (Tim), and Zachary Rulison; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 10 am – noon at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc., 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 & Black Street), Johnstown followed by a funeral service at noon with Rev. Richard Wilkinson, officiating. In accordance with current health guidelines, facial coverings are required. Burial will be in the spring at the Mayfield Union Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Regional SPCA, in care of the funeral home. UPDATE: A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Mayfield Union Rural Cemetery, Mayfield, with Rev. Rich Wilkinson, officiating.

Richard A. Brown

June 11, 1936 - December 31, 2021

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