Obituary of Harold Brown

Harold F. "Brownie" Brown Harold F. "Brownie" Brown, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Saturday, March 27th at Abington Crest Rehab and Nursing Center. He was born, December 8, 1922, the son of the late Howard and Marion Thompson Brown. Harold lived in Erie all of his life. As an East High alum, he excelled in tennis, track and field. After high school he attended Erie Business College. He was employed by Standard Stoker Company and was the treasurer of the company's Credit Union. From there he went to work for New York Central Federal Credit Union, which eventually became known as Penn Central Federal Credit Union, which became Conrail and is today known as Tri State Rail FCU. Harold was the CEO of Conrail for over 65 years. He was very active in the credit union movement, holding positions of Treasurer, President and National Director of the Pennsylvania Credit Union League, chairman of the Executive Committee of the New York Central Association of Credit Unions. He was a pioneer of 5 different credit unions and also actively involved in the Erie chapter. In 1981 he was awarded the distinction of being "Credit Union Professional" of the year. He was president and chairman of PACUL Services from 1975 to 1980. He was a member of Perry Lodge #392 F and AM Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Erie, the Zem Zem Temple and the Erepa Grotto. He held the position of being the longest standing 32nd Degree Mason. Harold was a die hard New York Yankees fan! He loved big bands and old movies. He enjoyed watching the super bowl with his grandson Matthew, every year, right up to 2010! He loved playing cards, spending time with his wife and family gatherings. He was a committed member of Christ United Methodist where he enjoyed a ministry of reaching out to shut-ins and sick people. He was blessed to be able to brighten their day with a joke, a story or an anecdote. He was always concerned about the well being of others, putting their needs and concerns above his own. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step father William Knipper and an infant son. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Myrna Kuntz Brown, two daughters, Karen Maker and husband Peter, Louise Berger and husband Jim, of Erie, two sons: Craig and wife Cheryl, of Erie, Gary and wife Sandra of Minnesota. Also survived by Myrna's children, Gretchen Armes of Erie, Rebecca Klopp of Waterford, Jeffrey Klopp and wife Linda of California, Eric Klopp, of Washington state. He is survived by grandchildren, Michael Brown and wife Theresa of Minnesota, Patrick Brown and wife Maria, of Erie, Jon Brown of Slippery Rock, Kimberly DeLand and husband Kenneth, Erie, Jeffrey Alexander and wife Angela, of Pittsburgh, Paul and Joe Berger, of Erie, Tracy Olson and husband Scott, of Colorado and Laurie Brown of Minnesota, Matt Armes and wife Kelly of Scranton, Pa, Meghan Armes of Indiana, Pa, Molly Armes of Rochester N.Y., and Christina, Michelle and Jennifer Klopp of California. He is further survived by 14 great grandchildren and one cousin Maureen Thompson. Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life and pay their respects on Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, 4216 Sterrettania Road. A funeral service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church at 32nd and Zuck Rds on Wednesday morning at 10: 00 a.m. A Masonic Service will be conducted on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 2615 West 32nd Street, Erie, PA 16506. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video