Mr. Harry J. Brown

July 5, 1956 - July 16, 2020

UTICA - Mr. Harry J. Brown, age 64, went home to the Lord when he passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare with those he loved most in his heart. Born in Utica on July 5, 1956, Harry was the son of the late Harry Richard McKenzie and Mary Lee (Gary) Spells. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1975. Harry was a proud veteran of the United States Army. For 47 years, Harry shared his life with Rose Marie Brown, his significant other and the mother of his five children. At one time, Harry held numerous positions with various local companies. A caring father, he always tried to help and guide his kids, and he was proud of their accomplishments. Social and outgoing, he had a knack for clowning around and making others feel comfortable, …depending on which side of the bed he woke up on! He got up early to pursue his pastime of walking and his chance to run into others and share a friendly conversation. He appreciated all genres of music, and his favorite tunes set his mood. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed watching sporting events on television. Harry looked forward to gathering with family during the holidays, and he was also a barbecue buff (known for grilling food on the rare side)! A free-hearted fella, Harry was fond of traveling to Texas to visit with his best friend and other folks he came to know. Harry is survived by his significant other, Rose; his children, Timothy Brown, Harold Brown, Shameka Brown and Anthony Owen, Harry J. Brown Jr., Quinaisha Brown, Kesha Berry, and Rashid Clark; 35 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. In addition, he leaves his siblings and their loved ones, Barbara Jimenez, Richard and Diana Brown, Sarah Brown, Gloria and James Scutchins, Valentine Spells, William Spells, Janice and Kenny Wilson, Gwendolyn McKensey, Dorothy Patterson, Marie James, Keith James and Kim, Kenny Harrison, and Mark Hikman and Keisha; the memory of his brother, Edward “Boy Brown” Brown, Jr. who preceded him in 2019; and his sister, Viola James. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, in-laws, and best friend, Tim Walker. The family extends their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare for their medical attention to Harry’s needs; and the First Responders for their valiant efforts to revive Harry. Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 3:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to the current restrictions, we will be operating at a limited occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the Brown family. We will only allow ten people into the building as ten people exit. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Harry’s funeral service and Home Going celebration will be held privately with Military Honors conferred and Rev. Gary Washington officiating. Interment will take place graveside at New Forest Cemetery on Monday morning at 10:30. Please take a moment to connect with Harry’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our continued support.