Obituary of John W. Brown

John W. Brown, Jr., of Goshen, passed away three days before his 82nd birthday on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at home. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was an inspiration to all who met him. John was born in Goshen, to the late Ruth M. McNeil Brown and the late John W. Brown, Sr. on December 2, 1934. He was a lifetime Goshenite. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ursula at home; three daughters, Michele C. LaBagh, Deanna Gorton (Joel), Natalie Watt (Roger Saunders) and five grandchildren, Jonathan, Mike, Max, Amber and Hannah; his devoted companion, Cleo; several nieces and nephews including Ed (Marlene) Myruski and Yvonne Kolesar, and his devoted neighbors, John and Mary Quick, as well as his Florida family of friends. John belonged to many groups and organizations throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 in Germany and left at the rank of a corporal. He was a past member of the Dikeman Fire Co., Local #5 Bricklayers Allied Craftsman Union, VFW, American Legion, BPOE Elks #1097, 3rd Degree in the Knights of Columbus, NRA and was still an active member of the county seat conservations club and Fallsburg Fishing & Boating Club. He spent his life working as a mason and started his own company J.B. Masonry in Goshen. His legacy of craftsmanship can be seen throughout the village in his work in: the flat iron buildings, the Presbyterian Church steeple, the original construction and first renovation of the government center and original county jail to the slate sidewalks in front of the library and the Goshen Savings Bank drive up building. John was born and raised in Goshen and enjoyed sharing his craftsmanship in his love for Goshen. He also raised Brittany's and had numerous champions in fieldwork, obedience and show. John spent his winters traveling in his motor home to Florida for many years. He has had many adventurous travels in his life: Hawaii, Italy, driving from Mexico to the Panama Canal, and across the United States. He told everyone he met he had a great life, with a loving family and great friends and he couldn't ask for anything more. John's life will be celebrated on his 82nd birthday at the Donovan Funeral Home, 82 South Church Street, Goshen on Friday, December 2 from 3-6 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 am on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 71 Murray Ave, Goshen, NY. Burial will follow in the Orange County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Goshen. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to OC Hospice, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550 or a Humane Society of your choice in John's memory. Arrangements by the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. www.donovanfunerals.com