Alexander Harold Brown

(Alexander) Harold Brown passed away peacefully February 12, 2025 at the age of 92.  This past summer he celebrated 67 years of marriage to his loving wife Jean.  He was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Hattie Brown; his three brothers Albert, Charles, and Milton Brown; and grandson Andrew Suggs. He is survived by his wife Jean (Osborne) Brown; their four children: David (Jeanne), Bruce (Hilary), Terry (Judy), and Laura Brown; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and a large extended family. 

Harold was born in Jamestown, New York and had a mischievous youth. When he worked as a teacher, he would ask what would happen if the students did something, and the teachers would ask why he would even think students would do that!  He said because that’s what he would have done. He attended Cornell University for 2 years before transferring to SUNY-Oswego.  There, he met and married his love, Jean. While working on his Bachelor of Science degree and taking classes during the day, he worked nights at Nestle Corporation. He enjoyed candy-making at home, making cashew brittle for the holiday. At college Harold was known for limited notetaking, quick wit, and teaching everyone how to eat with chopsticks. He received his Master of Science in Education degree from SUNY Oswego.

Harold began teaching Industrial Arts at Bemus Point, NY for two years. Then he started the Industrial Arts Department at Trumansburg where he taught for 28 years. Harold's summers involved electrical, and construction work as well as teaching driver education to student drivers and school bus drivers.   

Upon retiring from teaching, Harold and Jean moved to Union Springs, where they took care of Jean’s parents, Wilbur and Alberta Osborne, and Harold continued working as a handyman for many years.

Harold loved telling and retelling stories about his and his brothers’ antics as boys, sparking creativity and adventurousness in his children.  He was a practical man skilled at fixing and building things with his hands and mastering practical jokes, puns, cards, and jigsaw puzzles.  His favorite card game was pinochle which he learned from his brother Charles who learned it in the Navy during World War II. He delighted in teaching his family and friends pinochle through the years and the family tradition has often kept us up until the wee hours of the night. He was actively involved in both the Trumansburg and Auburn United Methodist Churches.

We are saddened by his passing but are comforted by our cherished memories. Memorial donations may be made to the Union Springs Fire Department, aka Union Hose & Engine Company PO Box 72, 257 Cayuga Street, Union Springs, NY, 13160

Calling hours will be conducted Friday, April 11, 2025 from 2 to 4pm in the White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn. A memorial service will be offered Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 2:00pm in the Trumansburg United Methodist Church. Burial in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Union Springs will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are with White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn. 

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