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Thomas Brown Obituary

Brown, Thomas W. ALBANY Thomas W. Brown, 77, a loving, kind, and gentle soul, died peacefully Thursday, June 19, 2008 with his family at his bedside. Tom's faith in God was steadfast and his unique spirit left for those he touched, a legacy of love. Life for Tom was a great gift and he treasured the opportunities and challenges it presented him. His passions were many. He loved his family and fatherhood was a true calling for him. He gave selflessly to his children - his heart, his counsel, and his faith. Tom found satisfaction as a trial lawyer in his longtime partnership with Pentak, Brown & Tobin in Albany. Later, he practiced with his daughter at Brown & Brown. He was an alumni of Albany Law School and maintained an allegiance to this and each of his alma maters. Tom earned his bachelor's degree from Fordham University and before that, graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. At CBA, he won the city championship for the mile race. His love of running led him to successfully complete some 20 marathons, including those in Boston and New York. He attributed some of the discipline he developed in his running to the time he served in the U.S. Army. Tom enjoyed public service as a state assemblyman, a county legislator, and briefly as a city court judge. He also served as president of the Albany County Bar Association. Tom was a world traveler and found strength in the lives of the people he encountered. He had a lifelong commitment to learning. We are deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203 and ask that any donations in Tom's name be made there. Tom was originally from Evanston, Illinois where he was born on October 13, 1930. He was a young boy when he moved to Albany with his parents, Walter and Dorothy Brown, and his older brother Michael. Along with all the people he touched in his very full life, Tom will be missed by his wife, Kathleen Bergan Brown; his five children and their families, Cailin, J., Fiona and Liam Leary of Albany; Kerry, John, Kathleen, Shelagh and Maeve Conley of Saratoga Springs; Megan Brown and Jeff, Justin and Brynn Anderson of Halfmoon; T. Bergan, Amy, Devin and Owen Brown of Wilton; and Michael Brown of East Greenbush. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 40 Hopewell St., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. on Monday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Thank God for Tom Brown.

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Published by Albany Times Union from Jun. 22 to Jun. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Brown

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Bertha Rivers

July 25, 2008

Megan and family, I just learned today of your Dad's passing. I hope you and your family will find comfort knowing his watching over you. Sincerely, Bertha

Nancy Pentak

July 3, 2008

I had the opportunity to work with Tom during the summers I worked at Dugan, Lyons, Murphy, Pentak, Brown and Tobin. You never knew what would happen when he was in the office; he was always up to something. When I’d come home to visit from college or even after I’d moved to North Carolina I’d run into him occasionally. My favorite time was catching him standing on the corner eating a hotdog and carrying on a conversation with the hotdog vendor.

Tom always took the time to stop what he was doing and make you feel that your conversation was the most important thing he had to do at that point. Although Tom wasn’t feeling 100% he made sure he attended my Dad’s memorial service and even spoke about Daddy during the service.

The obituary was beautiful and said it all Thank God for Tom Brown!

Amy VanDerzee Wiggins

June 27, 2008

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Brown's passing, I have many memories of the Brown family with my Mom and Dad. I saw of his passing and wanted to let you know I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

John Turner

June 26, 2008

To the Brown family
I’m very sorry I wasn’t able to attend Tom’s services. He was a wonderful person. Each time I saw him out there mowing the lawn with the manual push mower up hill I imagined he would live for ever. I remember when Joshua was born 21 years ago; he asked me what name we choose? I told him and he replied, that’s a fine biblical name, it will serve him well. You all were wonderful neighbors and I enjoyed growing up with you and your dad.

Louise Albertson

June 25, 2008

To the family of Tom Brown:
Tom was a strong pro-life advocate and a true gentleman. I met him in the early 1970s. He was a very insightful man on many issues. We need many more like him.

Kathleen (Vermette) Rosch

June 24, 2008

Megan and family,
My deepest sympathy to you at this time of great loss.
Most Sincerely,

Beverlee Graybill

June 24, 2008

Dear Katie: To my
Friend and former neighbor, I learned of Tom's passing with the news of my niece, Carol Turner Mitchell's sad journey. I will remember you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Beverlee Forrest Graybill

Ro and Roy Lotzar

June 24, 2008

Cailin and family All our love and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. God Bless you.
Ro, Roy, Andrea, and Ryan

Jill Conley

June 24, 2008

Mike,

I am thinking of you at this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lisa Gruber

June 24, 2008

The eleven years I spent at Pentak, Brown and Tobin were among the happiest of my now nearly 30 year-long work history. Mr. Brown contributed to that atmosphere daily. I especially remember having lunch with him at a small diner in Albany after witnessing a will. He made me feel like so much more than an employee. Of course, I will always associate Jack's Oyster House with memories of Mr. Brown as well. Looking, back it is clear why I was so happy at Pentak, Brown and Tobin. I was treated with love and respect and I offer that same love and respect back to the Brown Family today. Sincerely, Lisa Gruber

Mary Anne (Murphy) Farrell

June 23, 2008

To the Brown Family -- Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband & father. I have very vivid memories of him during my days at Holy Cross. I remember delivering campaign flyers on our bicycles. He was a very kind & always lively man. May your memories and the thoughts of others provide comfort to you.

Mary Anne & Tom Murphy

June 23, 2008

Katie & the Brown Family -- So sorry to hear about Tom's death. Our condolences to each of you at this time of grief.

Kit Rooney

June 23, 2008

Dear Cailin,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I will keep your Dad in my prayers.

June 23, 2008

Kerry and Family-I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. I have such fond memories of your father and how he welcomed me as part of the family. There was always room in the station wagon when he would take us on weekend drives, to the assembly, the office, campaigning, and to the camp. He made everything fun and at the same time a learning experience. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely Beth(Sullivan)Fisher

Jim Millea

June 23, 2008

Tom was a special person. His many kindnesses to all will not be forgotten. He and my dad shared a special bond in that they were both graduates of Fordham. From the time I started practicing law I would see him on State Street or in the court house, and he always took the time to inquire about my family. I also remember him when he would faithfully attend political gatherings in the City of Rensselaer while he was in the Assembly. The folks there loved him. Go with God, my good friend.

kris bennett

June 23, 2008

Cailin, I was sorry to read of your Dad's passing. It truly is so difficult to lose a parent that you love so much. It has been 26 years since college, but I instantly remembered how much you loved your entire family when I saw your Dad's obituary. That, my friend, is such a tribute to him. I am sure he is having a cocktail and lively debate with another fine irishman, my dad, Thomas Ryan. The obituary was beautiful. Cherish all your happy memories. fondly, kris ryan bennett

Tracy Kennedy

June 23, 2008

Bergan and Michael

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We didn't know your father but he sounds remarkable.

Our condolences....

Tracy and Brendan Kennedy

Carolyn George

June 23, 2008

I was an associate at Pentak, Brown & Tobin for 8 years. I had the good fortune to be able to learn the law, how to treat people right, wit, and intelligence from Tom Brown. Years later, I still consider his influence as one of the cornerstones of my approach & style in the practice of law. His obituary said it all: "thank God for Tom Brown."

Frank Ciervo

June 23, 2008

Cailin,

My sincere sympathies. You and your family are in my prayers.

Frank Ciervo

Libby McGinn

June 23, 2008

Cailin and family - I actually learned about his passing via St. Rose e-mail. It's been about 35 years but I can still see him driving us to LaSalle games and remembering that, at 14, I was thinking what a nice man he was. I know my father also had such kind and respectful words about him. Thinking of you.

Connie Elliott

June 23, 2008

Dear "KT" and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you. I believe loss of a loved one is the toughest trial in life, but God's compassion is with you now--more than ever.
love,
Connie

Joe and Pat Sears Doherty

June 23, 2008

Our condolences to Cailin and her family. We never knew your Dad, but the wonderful, talented, concerned woman you have become is a great testament to his "Dad skills". What a great role model he was for his children. Speak of him often--it will honor his life.

Thomas C Brown

June 23, 2008

Dear Kathleen and Family:

While checking the Albany Times obits from Florida, I saw Thomas Brown, and just decided to check on who this was. When I saw Tom's picture, I couldn't believe it.

The write up was absolutely beautiful and true! Tom was a great man. He did not wear his religion on his shirt sleeve, but lived it. He touched the lives of so many, many people, and we have all been enriched and have grown.

Well do I remember when I was at Holy Cross, and Tom would be a Lector. My first time when he was on as a Lector at my liturgy, I said, maybe we should say: "Will the real Tom Brown stand up".

We enjoyed the same name, and we enjoyed each other. Tom's love of his Family and his Faith are among the hallmarks of his life.

Truly, Tom was a good man, a just man, a Friend to all. To have known him, was to love him.

My prayers and sympathy are extended to the entire Family.

My Love and Prayers,
Tom Brown (Father)

Carol O'Brien Hargis

June 23, 2008

Cailin, your Dad was one in a million, as you all know. My father, Jay Cox O'Brien, was very fond of him, and had the utmost respect for him, professionally & personally. I can still hear the unique timbre of his voice as he took his time to say what was on his mind, eyes closed, smile on his face...
I imagine the County Bar & Albany Law "reunion" in heaven will be joyous! My sincere condolences on your loss.

s c

June 22, 2008

Though i didn't know Tom, I think the tribute posted for him is absolutely beautiful...another angel in heaven.
1Thess.4:13,14

Barabara Pentak

June 22, 2008

Tom's friendship and loyalty were always appreciated. The Pentak Family sends their regrets.

Karen Hauth

June 22, 2008

The Brown Family,
Your father was a wonderful man and I feel lucky to have known him. You are all a testament to what a great person he was. I hope you find comfort knowing that he was loved and will be missed by many. My family and I send our sincerest condolences. With much love,

Timothy Gaffney Sr

June 22, 2008

To Tom Brown's family
I met Tom when visiting my Mom at the Teresian House. I enjoyed our lively conversations. Tom was a great guy, and I will remember him in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your loss.

Mary (Burger) Connors

June 22, 2008

Kerry and Family
my prayers are with you- god bless
so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad

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