Joseph K. Brown

Joseph Keith Brown, 81, of Margaretville, NY, passed away on Friday, February 21st, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on July 26th in Staten Island, the son of Joseph and Katherine (Merk) Brown. A Master Carpenter, plumber, and electrician, Joe was known for his skill and dedication to his craft. Over the years, he built many custom homes, but he was most proud of the home he created for his daughter, Susan, and her family in Margaretville—a project he lovingly referred to as his “work of love.”

Joe was also an avid hunter, fisherman, and boater. As the years passed, he often said, “The older I get, the less inclined I am to kill anything,” as his passion for the outdoors shifted from hunting to cherishing the beauty of the woods and waters. He found joy in sharing these experiences with his loved ones, teaching his children and grandchildren the skills and knowledge he had accumulated over his lifetime. Special memories were made walking in the woods with his daughter, Tracey, passing on his "survival skills"—skills that proved helpful when she once got separated from her brothers on one of their walks. Joe was also proud of earning his pilot’s license and enjoyed many happy hours on his boat, The Poseidon, where he took on the role of Captain Brown. His favorite moments, however, were spent fishing on Big Pond.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Katherine, as well as his brothers, Michael and Stephen.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Kim, and his children: Susan (James) Brown-Tonrey, Robert (Haidy), Eric (Stacy), and Tracey (Josh). Joe is also survived by his stepsons: Donald (Alexandria) and Daniel (Holly), as well as his grandchildren: James, Elisabeth, Aydyn, Killian, Emily, Cooper, Connor, Soren, Maggie, and Emma. He leaves behind his sister, KC Foggin, and nephew and niece, Mark Foggin and Meredith Boyer, along with his “adopted” son, Ryan (Kathy) Sprague.

A service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held on Sunday, March 2nd, at Hynes Funeral Home in Margaretville. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with the funeral service following at 1:30 PM, officiated by Rev. Richard Dykstra.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the form of a dish garden, or that you plant a tree or any plant in Joe’s memory.