William Robert Brown

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, William Robert Brown, 78, of Fredonia, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2021 at Brooks Memorial Hospital from complications related to Covid-19. Bill was born on June 15, 1942 to Howard H. and Frances (Musiel) Brown in Wahoo, Neb. After graduating from Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus, Neb. in 1960, he went on to study Education and Business Administration at Wayne State College, followed by a Masters Degree in school administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In 1973, he met the love of his life, Karleen, and they wed in 1975, going on to have two children, Heather and Ryan. Anyone who knew Bill knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Karleen and his children Heather and Ryan, and always supported them. He loved boating, camping, the outdoors and classic American automobiles – especially Corvettes. Playing the music of The Beach Boys or CCR was always greatly encouraged. He was excited for any airshow and took flying lessons in lieu of payment at his first high school job at the local airport.

Throughout his long career as a teacher, principal and Job Corps Director, he also taught Driver’s Ed, empowering many students to achieve independence. He enjoyed traveling with his family and as a teacher, these trips were usually during school vacations. He helped chaperone groups of Karleen’s students on three school trips to Costa Rica, but never did end up enjoying the zip line. Later in his life, if he was sitting, there was always a dog on his lap and he enjoyed watching the birds at his window.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Karleen; children: Heather Brown (Ben Soreff) and Ryan (Nikki Cammarata); grandchildren: Westley, Foster, Chris, Carter and Ada; sister, Marilynne (Fritz) Bergman, as well as many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Bill was predeceased by his brothers Larry Brown and Terry Brown, sisters Sandy Masek and Sharon Kubik, and his father and mother, Howard H. Brown and Frances (Musiel) Brown of Columbus, Neb. Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by McGraw – Kowal Funeral Home, and a virtual memorial can be visited online at https://www.forevermissed.com/william-robert-brown.

Memorial donations may be made in William Brown’s name to BoysTown, an organization close to his heart that is changing the way America cares for children and families. Link: https://support.boystown.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2280&mfc_pref=T&2280.donation=form1 Address: Boys Town 14100 Crawford Street Boys Town, N.E. 68010. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Brook Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, N.Y. for their care and compassion. In Bill’s memory, and in their honor, please wear a mask and take Covid-19 seriously. It is real and it hastened his passing.