Michael W. Brown

01/13/1946 - 01/08/2026

Michael W. Brown, 79, of Camillus, passed away on January 8, 2026. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 13, 1946.
Michael grew up on Tompkins Street in Syracuse, across from Coleman's, an area that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He attended Blodgett Vocational High School and later Onondaga Community College.
While attending Onondaga Community College, Michael was drafted into U.S Army during the Vietnam War, serving with the Big Red One Infantry Division. His love for his country remained a defining part of who he was throughout his life. He then went on to meet and marry his wife, Diana. They lived in Camillus where they raised their two children, Angeline and Michael.
He began his working years at Terpening Trucking Company, where he was employed for more than ten years. Among his many stories was one he took particular pride in, delivering the very first tanker of green beer to Coleman's on Tipperary Hill for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, a moment of local history he never forgot.
Michael went on to serve Onondaga County for 26 years as a Safety Training Instructor with the Onondaga County Department of Transportation, retiring in 2005. He also served for many years as the United Way Chairman for Onondaga County Government. His commitment to giving back extended beyond his professional role; every Christmas, Michael volunteered his time with the Christmas Bureau Toys for Tots program, efforts that earned him the Teddy Bear Award.
Michael loved all kinds of music. He once sat front row at a Doors concert to see Jim Morrison with friends, and later in life could even be found listening to Lady Gaga. He was known for making the best homemade pizzas, enjoyed a good cup of coffee, and rarely missed reading the newspaper. He was hardworking, forgiving, thoughtful, and had a great sense of humor. One of his favorite sayings was, "You gotta laugh." Above all, Michael loved his family, especially his granddaughter, Kendyll, who was the light of this life, his home, and his country.
Michael was predeceased by his mother, Anne Ripka; father, John Brown; stepfather, Edward Ripka; brother, Jeffrey Brown; and nephew, Jacob Brown.
Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Diana (Busco) Brown; daughter, Angeline M. Brown; son, Michael L. (Colleen) Brown; sister, Adria Ripka; grandchildren, Kendyll Celeste Brown, Jack Small, and Chloe Small; as well as several nieces and nephews.
The Brown family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the VA Medical Center as well as the VA Hospital and their incredible doctors and nurses who provided outstanding care with compassion and dignity.
A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, January 14th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter's Church, 301 Ash Street, Syracuse, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:30 a.m. Michael will be laid to rest with military honors in Woodlawn Cemetery, Syracuse. Services entrusted to FARONE & SON, Inc. Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, 800 Irving Ave Syracuse, NY 13210.