Darrell S. Brown – 85 – formerly of 373 Canisteo St. (Lincoln Gardens), Hornell, died Tuesday evening (November 16, 2021) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where he resided for the past 8 months.

Born in Belfast, NY on November 25, 1935, he was the son of Gladys Conrad Brown & Ivan Brown.

Darrell grew up in Belfast and was a graduate of Belfast High School (class of 1954).   Following high school graduation, he was determined to join the United States Air Force, although being denied enlistment numerous times for being underweight.  Darrell was finally accepted into the Air Force, after “tipping the scales” at the required weight.  The local newspaper ran an article titled “Airman Darrell Brown Eats His Way Into the United States Air Force.”  Throughout his lifetime, Darrell remained a proud veteran who served his county during the Korean Conflict.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Darrell moved to the Hornell Area and for several years had been employed at the US Post Office where he served in many capacities.  He also served as office manager at the former Bethesda Hospital and inventory clerk at Crowley Foods in Arkport.  Throughout the years, Darrell worked at Southside Tavern and for about 20 years served as a security guard at the State Office Building in Hornell until his health forced him, sadly, to retire in January, 2020.

Darrell had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling & hunting and had been a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).  Darrell also enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL) especially during the Super Bowl years.

Extremely proud of his Irish-German heritage, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17^th) was special to him and he was not afraid to let the world know (as all good Irish do)!  Darrell loved music, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Marty Robbins.  He was a vintage car enthusiast, especially Chryslers and never wanted to own a newer car.  That’s just the way he was!!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Richton “Curly” Brown, James Brown & Theodore Conrad “Ted” Brown; 2 sisters, Veronica Piano and Sharon Perkins; his “special cousin”, Monica Arnold; his good friends, Carl Perry & Dick Curran.

Surviving are his son, Todd (Karen) Brown of Hartsville; 3 sisters, Patricia Benjamin of Oswego, Virginia Pearson of  Florida and Kathleen “Kathy” Updyke of Arkport; his sister-in-law, Norberta Brown; his dear friend, Tonia Flaitz; several nieces & nephews.

At Darrell’s request there will be no calling hours.  A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

Darrell’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made the charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

In recognition of Darrell’s service to his country as a member of the US Air Force, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.