Obituary of Rawland G. Brown

Mr. Rawland G. "Brownie" Brown, age 83 of Gloversville, died unexpectedly on Friday evening, December 18, 2009 at Nathan Littauer Hospital Emergency Room after he was suddenly stricken at his home. He was born November 14, 1926 in Rutland, VT, the son of the late Charles and Harriet LaFever Brown. He served as a gunner in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Liberty for two years until he was injured during battle. Brownie was employed as a gas burner by General Electric Company in Schenectady for about 35 years until he retired in 1986. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Fulton County Emergency Radio Club where he was Past-President and Pine Tree Rifle Club. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He was married to Arbutus M. "Artie" Peters on November 3, 1951 who survives. Also surviving are three children, Charles Brown Julie of Dudley, MA; Eric Brown Arlene of Galway and Debra Tubbs Victor of Gloversville; a brother, Gordon Brown Francis of Northville; a sister, Shirley Houserman Messchino of Artesia, NM; six grandchildren, Joshua Brown, Jessica Brown, Jaclyn Brown and Julie Brown of Dudley, MA and Alicia Brown and Justin Brown of Gloversville; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother at birth. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, December 21 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a prayer service will be conducted 9:15 am Tuesday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Gloversville. The Very Rev. Donald Czelusniak will be the celebrant. Interment will take place in the springtime at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Fulton DAV Chapter #122, P.O. Box 172, Gloversville, NY 12078.