IN MEMORIAM: Thomas R. Brown, 66;
CCS Grad, Power-Generation Engineer
COOPERSTOWN – Thomas Raymond Brown, 66, of Ithaca, who grew up in Cooperstown and went on to an engineering career in power generation, passed away at home on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, with his loving wife and daughters by his side, following his courageous battle with brain cancer.
Tom was born in Stamford on April 13, 1951, to Raymond S. Brown and Frida Norberg Brown. Following his childhood in South Kortright, the Brown family moved to Cooperstown in 1964. There Tom attended Cooperstown Central School, graduating in the Class of 1969.
He then attended SUNY Potsdam and graduated with a bachelor’s with honors in economics.
Following college, Tom worked in several professions including construction and military microwave research. During this time he perfected the skills of a master carpenter and serious wood worker and also earned a journeyman’s electrical license.
In the early ’80s, while working in research, Tom returned to school at SUNY Utica and earned an engineering degree with honors in 1985. He was immediately employed as an engineer by Intertek in Cortland, where he was employed at the time of his passing.
Tom became well-respected in the field of engineering and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe in the support of manufacturers, owners and operators in the power-system industry. His recent work, however, focused primarily on the wind-turbine industry. Although extremely knowledgeable and technically astute, he always maintained a very approachable manner, ready smile and a quick wit which made him well-liked among those he worked with as well as his friends.
First in his life was Tom’s love for his family. In December 1986, he married Nancy Siembor in Theresa, whom he had met through encouragement of his parents. Tom and Nan were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Frida and Celia and together, all of them worked to make their house a loving home. Tom will be missed by his family and friends more than words could ever express.
In addition to his wife Nancy and their two daughters, Frida and Celia, Tom is survived by his brother and sisters, Paul Brown (Linda Morrison), of Midlands, Mich., Kathleen Brown of San Jose, Costa Rica, Eileen Brown of Victor, outside Rochester, Martha Sherwood of Cherry Valley, and Carol Morales of Tarrytown, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Frida Brown in 1994 and Ray Brown in 2005.
A private graveside service for family and close friends was held in East Lawn Cemetery in Ithaca.
Tom’s family will receive friends 4-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at the Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St., Ithaca.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 309 Siena Drive, Ithaca, with Father Daniel Ruiz, friend of the family, officiating.
Immediately following Mass, there will be a time for luncheon and fellowship in St. Catherine’s Parish Center.
For those who wish to remember Tom with a memorial gift, his family respectfully requests that donations be directed to Heifer Project, Tioga County Rural Ministry, Special Olympics and American Cancer Society, specifically Brain Cancer Research.
Arrangements are with Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca.