Donald H. Brown

CARTHAGE- Donald H. Brown, 91, formerly of Black River, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning May 14, 2026, at his daughter’s home.

Donald was born on June 6, 1934, in West Carthage to the late Clarke William and Edith Louise (Dangel) Brown. A 1952 graduate of West Carthage High School, he married Patricia C. “Patty” Fetterman on September 26, 1975. They made their home in Black River. Throughout his career, Donald worked for Durkee’s Bakery and Carthage Machine before spending 19 years at Watertown Concrete Inc., from which he retired early due to eye surgery.

A dedicated member of his community, Don, was a past member of the West Carthage Fire Department, joining the department in 1957, who was also presented the New York State Fireman of the year in 1960, for his extraordinary act of bravery, saving a trapped man from a burning building. He was a charter member of the Carthage Drum Corps. He was also an exempt member of the Benevolent Association. He found great joy in camping with Patty and their grandchildren and cherished the time spent with his daughters.

He is survived by his three daughters, Debbie (John) Williams, Cathy (Pat) Gaines, and Vicki (Tim) Murphy, eight grandchildren, Tracey (Pat) Hummel, Brian (Jaimie) Williams, Steve (Amber) Williams, Michelle (Brad) Collins, Michael (Tracy) Gaines, David (Jenn) Gaines, Kylie (Nick) Phillips, and Craig (Ali) Davin; ten great-grandchildren, Tanner, Levi, Casey, Peytin, Austin, Alexis, Mallory, Phoebe, Dakota, and Olivia; and several nieces and nephews.

Per Don’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Patricia, in Hillside Cemetery in Champion.

Donations in his memory can be made to the West Carthage Fire Department.

Arrangements are under the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, 518 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. Online condolences may be left at www.bezanillafh.com.