Sensei Daniel C. Brown, Sr., age 85, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Wynn Hospital after a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues.

     Daniel was born in Utica on February 17, 1940, the son of Rowe and Clara (Kahler) Brown, and received his education in Utica schools. He was previously married to Beverly (Linke) Brown, and together they were blessed with four beloved children.

     Daniel began his working career at General Electric Company and later worked for Petty Bone and Utica Corp in Whitesboro. In his younger years, he enjoyed roller skating, a hobby he proudly passed on to his daughter, Sandra. He cherished holidays, birthdays, and special occasions, especially Sunday dinners spent surrounded by family.

     Daniel’s true passion was Judo. He dedicated more than 50 years to studying, practicing, and teaching this Japanese martial art. Through years of disciplined training, he achieved the rank of 6th-degree black belt and earned the title of Sensei, having trained extensively under two Japanese Sensei from Japan. Daniel was the owner and head instructor of the Brown School of Judo and Jujitsu in Utica, where he trained countless students—both children and adults. He took particular pride in teaching underprivileged youth and never turned away anyone who was unable to pay.

     One of Daniel’s proudest accomplishments was training his son, Jeffery, and sharing in his success in the sport of Judo. Jeffery achieved remarkable honors, including winning an NCAA National Judo title, being named an All-American, finishing second in the Am-Cam International Judo Championship, and earning an invitation to try out for the U.S. Olympic Judo Team. In 1996, Daniel and Jeffery together founded a U.S. Youth Judo Program, further extending Daniel’s lifelong commitment to teaching and mentorship.

    Despite his many achievements, Daniel was most proud of being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was the true joy of his life, and his legacy of discipline, generosity, and love will live on through them and the many students whose lives he touched.

     Sensei Brown is survived by his two loving children: his daughter, Sandra (Russell) Rockwood of Whitesboro, and his son, James (Julie) Brown of Florida; his daughter-in-law, Marianne Brown of New York Mills; and his cherished grandchildren, Katrina (Mariano) Jellencich, Vincent Infusino, Russell (Kaitlin) Rockwood, Jr., Alexandra (Collin) Spagnolo, Sydney Brown, Kara Brown, Krysta Brown (Ron), Jaimie Brown, and Victoria Brown. He is also survived by his dear friend, Fr. John Warner, along with many adored great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless Judo students whom he loved as family. He was predeceased by his sons, Jeffery Brown and Daniel Brown, Jr., as well as several brothers and sisters.

     Visitation for family and friends is Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, followed by a service at 3:00 PM at the conclusion of visitation.