Respected community leader Chris Brown passes away

Christopher H. Brown of Niagara Falls passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at his home, under the care of his family and Niagara Hospice.

Brown was born in Niagara Falls on Jan. 14, 1955, the son of Rose (Mento) Brown and the late Harold C. Brown.

A graduate of Niagara University, he was managing partner of Brown and Co. LLP, and member of the New York State Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Brown was an active member of the community and served on numerous boards, committees and clubs, including; the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Niagara Falls Public Library, CABA, Niagara County SPCA, United Way, Old Fort Niagara Association, Sertoma Club, KeyBank of WNY, Niagara Falls Board of Education and Artpark & Company.

He also participated in and was a board member of the Leadership Niagara.

Brown was a proud recipient of many awards, including the Kenneth Ford Niagara Award for Community Service, Buffalo's Business First "40 Under 40" Award, Leadership Niagara's William Warren Award and the SBA Accountant Advocate Award.

Among Brown's proudest achievements was his instrumental role in the completion of Artpark's outdoor amphitheater renovation, while serving as chairman of the board.

He enjoyed music, family vacations and concerts, and was a master of surprises. As busy and involved as Brown was, he never sacrificed time with his family. He lived his life putting others first and will be remembered for his sense of humor, loving personality, integrity, strength, courage and strong will. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family and friends, especially at "the Pharm."

Besides his mother, Chris is survived by his wife of 38 1/2 years, Suzanne (LaBarbera) Brown; by two sons, Alexander (Lindsay) Brown and Christopher H. (Camille) Brown Jr.; two daughters, Andrea (Corey) Gray and Allison (Christopher) Finitz; three grandsons, Owen, Adam and Geoffrey - to whom he was affectionately known as Buddy; by three brothers, Michael (Lisa) Brown, Steven (Connie) Brown and Patrick (Maria) Brown; three sisters Kathleen (Dr. Theodore) Jenkins, Maureen (Michael) Cacace, Jeannine (Kevin) Miller; and by a sister-in-law, Linda LaBarbera. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Chris was the brother of the late Russell Brown and godfather of the late Jonathan Miller.

His family will be present on Wednesday, from 3-8 p.m., at the Rhoney Funeral Home, 901 Cayuga St., Lewiston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 2966 Independence Ave., Niagara Falls. Attendees are asked to please assemble at the church.

Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston. Memorials in Chris' name may be made to Niagara Hospice.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com for the guest register.