Bill

William Irving Brown, affectionately known as Bill to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home in Rome, PA, on January 11, 2024. Born on December 11, 1934, in Sayre, PA, Bill's life was marked by his deep commitment to his family, his farm, and his community.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Janet (Anderson) Brown, whom he married on November 16, 1957. Together, they built a life filled with love and dedication. He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Nancy Brown; grandchildren, William & Kaitlyn Brown, Corey Brown & Kara Belles; and great-grandchildren, Leila & Xander Brown. His legacy continues through his siblings, Jean Barrett, June Beckwith, and Roy W. Brown, as well as several cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Irving "Bucky" and Annie (DeHaan) Brown; siblings, Betty DeHaan and Robert Brown; brother-in-law, Michael Beckwith; Janet’s parents Jesse & Blanche Anderson, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Betty & Clarence Hicks, Patty & Willard Losinger, and Francis Anderson.

Bill's early life was spent at Orwell Hill School, but his strong sense of responsibility led him to leave his studies to help his parents manage the family farm. In 1958, Bill and Janet took a leap of faith and purchased the family farm, known as Browncroft Farm. With unwavering dedication, Bill worked the land and cared for his livestock until his retirement from farming in 1995. His passion for agriculture extended to the production of maple syrup, a craft he enjoyed from 1972 until 2010.

A man of faith, Bill was a longtime member of the West Warren Congregational Church. His commitment to the farming community was evident through his involvement with the National Holstein Association, Pennsylvania State Holstein Association, Sulbra Breeders, and the Endless Mountain Maple Association. He served as a director of Sire Power in Tunkhannock, where he shared his expertise with fellow farmers.

Bill's contributions to agriculture were recognized with numerous awards, including the Highest Fat Herd Ever from Bradford County DHIA in 1989, the Master Farmer Award in 1990, the Honorary Dairyman Award from Bradford County DHIA in 1998, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Holstein Association in 2023.

Beyond his farming accomplishments, Bill enjoyed simpler pleasures such as bowling and exploring the world of maple on various tours. His warm personality and faith-filled spirit made him a friend to many, leaving a lasting impact on those he met.

As a loving, friendly, and faith-filled man, Bill's life was a testament to the adage, "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."—Nelson Henderson. Bill planted many trees, both literal and figurative, nurturing his family, his farm, and his community with a generous heart.

We will gather to on Sunday, January 14th from 1 – 3 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols to remember the love, laughter and joy he brought into our lives. A memorial service and celebration of his life will follow at 3 pm with Pastor Ed Harrison, officiating. Bill will be laid to rest at a later date in the Jillson Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Rd., Towanda, PA 18848 or the West Warren Congregational Church, c/o Judy Davenport, 3645 N. Rome Rd., Ulster, PA 18850 in loving memory of William “Bill Brown.

Bill’s life was one of purpose and joy, filled with the fruits of his labor and the love of his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, yet his legacy will continue to flourish in the lives of those he touched. As we remember him, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life that inspired others to cultivate their own fields of dreams with the same passion and dedication. Rest in peace, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.