Gary Brown

Gary Brown, 88, of Fort Plain, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at St. Johnsville Nursing Home.

Born on September 3, 1937, to the late Evan and Doris (Smith) Brown, Gary was a lifelong resident who attended St Johnsville Schools. Known for his hard work, he worked for the Town of Stark for 18 years after retiring he then drove truck part-time for Sprague Farms. His dedication extended to farming, where he contributed more than half his life at the Hensel's Farms, Mang's Farms, and Veit's Farms.

Of course, there were a few things that could pull Gary away from work: hunting and fishing, two pastimes he absolutely loved. For the past 30 years, he looked forward to the fall hunting season with Cheri, Jim, and family, and he found equal joy fishing with his brothers and family. Gary could tell a hunting story like no one else, bringing each adventure to life in a way that made you feel as though you had been right there beside him. Those stories, and the memories that came with them, will be greatly missed. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling, watching NASCAR, engaging with CB radios, and delighting in tractor pulls. An early riser with a happy-go-lucky spirit, Gary cherished his family and dogs and was happiest living a simple life filled with the people and activities he loved.

On May 6, 1961, he married Pauline Rockwell at the St. Johnsville United Methodist Church, and they shared many wonderful years until her passing in 2013. Gary is also predeceased by his siblings, Linda, Leslie, Jacqueline, Sharon, Claudia, and Steven.

He is survived by daughters Paula "Teenie" Brown and Cheri Brown (Jim), son John "Spike" Brown (Kris), grandchildren Carri (Rich) and Sarena (Jessica), Marie Armstrong(Terry), Debbie Miller(Kenny), Katie Santoro(Anthony) and great-grandchildren Landon, Autumn, and Wyatt, Ben, Amanda, Andy, Riley, Colton, Levi and Lakyn. His beloved dogs, Ruby, Jasper, and Kittie D, were always by his side. Brothers Walter (Bernice), Philip (Toni), Russell (Billie Jo), Raymond (Karen), and Timothy (Patricia), sister Deborah, along with sister-in-law Michelle Brown, also mourn his passing.

Visiting hours will be held on September 9, 2026, from 4-7 PM at Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, Canajoharie. A graveside service is scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 10 AM at West St. Johnsville Cemetery. After the inurnment, everyone is invited to Lombardo's Pizzeria in St. Johnsville for a reception starting at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the NRA at NRA.org or your local gun club.