Obituary of Michael Brown

Michael D. Brown, loving husband of Helen A. Brown, passed away on March 15, 2015 surrounded by his large family. He was born in High Bridge, the Bronx in December 1932 to Michael and Mary Brown, of Co. Mayo, Ireland. Mike and Helen moved to Poughkeepsie in 1962. Along with his wife of 56 years, he leaves behind his daughters Maryann Quimby, Kathleen Craven, Patricia Brown, Helen Wexler and Maureen together with his sons in law Ed Craven and Evan Wexler and his grandchildren Rachael and Annabelle Quimby, Edward and Michael Craven, Evan and Hunter Wexler and Jimmy and Victoria. He also leaves behind his loving nieces Colleen, Diane and Theresa, who he adored as if they were his own daughters, and their families. Mike also leaves behind his dear cousins, Sister Charlotte Raftery, SC, and James and Kathy Melvin and families. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Michael D. Brown Jr, his granddaughter Kasey C. Wexler, his sister, Mary Brown McDermott and his nephew Charles R. McDermott. He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family that meant the world to him and who also live all over the States, Canada and Ireland. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and thoroughly enjoyed going back to visit the old family homestead and finding cousins who quickly became a very important part of his life. He was even more proud of all of his grandchildren and loved spending time with them on family trips and vacations and making his special french toast breakfasts. The louder the house was the happier he was. He loved taking his grandchildren to share in his favorite activities, like target shooting and vacationing on Cape Cod. Mike joined the Arlington Engine 5 Fire Department (Croft Corners) in May 1969. He was the President in 1993 and the Vice President in 1994. From 1995 - 1997 he was a Trustee of the Fundraising, Halloween, and Good and Welfare Committees. He thoroughly enjoyed working at the Halloween parade every year and watching his daughters and grandchildren take part. Mike was an Officer LT First Aid from 1973-1979 and a Rescue Captain in 1980.He served as Fire Police Lieutenant in 1997. In addition, he was proud to serve as the lay Chaplain of Croft Corners for over 15 years. On February 25, 2006 he was honored to have received "The Unsung Hero" Award. In part, it was said that he responded to over 4400 fire calls and 2200 EMS calls through 2006. He was awarded a Life Membership in 1985. In October 2002 he was given the honor of being named the Volunteer Fire Policeman of the Year. Mike was an active member of the Fire Police Association of Dutchess County as well as the Firemen's Association of the State of New York and the Exempt Firemen's Association. When his children were younger he was very active with the Mid-Hudson Rivermen Drum and Bugle Corp. Many of the members fondly remember him as "Tiny". Mike was an active member of the Dutchess County Pistol Association, where he enjoyed taking his grandchildren target shooting. He worked for over 40 years for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and also had his Real Estate License and worked as an Associate Broker. Mike graduated from Machine and Metal Trades High School and New York City Community College. His favorite movie was "The Quiet Man" and his favorite quote from the movie was "He'll regret it till his dying day, if ever he lives that long". If you were lucky enough to have known him, you were lucky enough. Services will be at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 10:00am - 12:00 pm. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Croft Corners Fire Company, 7 Spackenkill Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.