Mr. Robert "Brownie" J. Brown, Sr., 82, of Whitesboro, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 18, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford. Robert was born in Rome, NY on May 26, 1932, the son of George C. and Katherine (Fleming) Brown. He was raised locally and was a graduate of Whitesboro High School. Robert proudly served in The US Navy during the Korean War. On October 27, 1956, Robert married Arlene Maxwell, a devoted union of 55 years until Arlene's death in 2011. For 31 years, Robert was employed with Rome Air Development Corp. (Rome Labs) until his retirement in 1987. Robert was a well known football and basketball referee and enjoyed golf, sports, and card games. He was a member of American Legion post 1113 in Whitesboro, American Legion post 1376 in New Hartford, the Elks Club 33 as PER. Robert will be remembered for the great love and devotion he showed to his family, especially his children who were the joy of his life. Mr. Brown is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Jim Mills of FL and Tracey and Tom Lehman of NY; seven sons and five daughters-in-law, Robert, Jr. and Lisa Brown of CT, Marc and Grace Brown of FL, Chris and Sue Brown of NY, Frank and Barbara Brown of MD, Steve and Randy Arichea-Brown of CA, Pat Brown of NY and Donny Brown of Whitesboro; one brother, George "Brownie" Brown of MD; a sister-in-law, Shirley Brown of NY Mills as well as 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Joellyn Maxwell, son, Joseph Leigh, grandson, Christopher Brown, sister, Barbara Tobiasz and brother, Michael Brown. Mr. Brown's funeral will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Whitesboro where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial, with military honors will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro. Calling hours for family and friends are Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica.