Charles Brown

Charles DeWitt Brown, 79, of Ghent, New York, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Suzanne (Eberle) Brown; his son John Brown (Krissy Lucido); his daughters Christine Hutson (Brian Johnson) and Karen McPhillips (Mike); his grandchildren, Kyleigh Lane (Colby), Conner and Matthew Hutson, Isaiah Brown, and Andrew and Nicholas McPhillips; and his great-granddaughter, Clementine Lane.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles DeWitt Brown; his mother, Jane (Henderson) Brown; his grandson, Jordan Brown; and his favorite dogs, both named Pumpkin. If you knew Charlie, this last part doesn’t surprise you.

At various times in his life, Charlie was an avid hunter, fisherman, skeet shooter, muzzleloader shooter, and even a skier, the last of which took him and Sue on adventures around the world. His greatest gift, however, was his gift of gab. He made many friends from all kinds of backgrounds over the years and loved to tell a good story. He was always willing to drop anything to lend a hand to a friend in their time of need – or simply meet up for a cup of coffee. He will be remembered for his kindness and sense of humor.

As a child, Charlie lived on a family farm with his mother and his best friends: his father and his dog. Always a farmer at heart but no longer with a farm, Charlie joined the Army at 18 and volunteered to serve in Vietnam. Upon returning to the United States, he began a long career in law enforcement, eventually retiring from the Columbia County Sherriff’s Department. Along the way, he worked for the Chatham Police Department, driving semi-trucks, and held various other jobs where he was always willing to take on extra shifts to cover the costs of his children’s activities. For his final act before retirement, he ran his own lawn-moving business with his son, John.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, September 23, at the Ghent Reformed Church, followed by interment at West Ghent Cemetery. Formal dress would be frowned upon by Charlie. One of the only times he wore a jacket and tie outside of work was in the photo above. Clearly, he did not pick the photo.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ghent Reformed Church. By clicking here

Arrangements have been entrusted to Robert M. Donaghue, French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, New York.