Mr. William E. Brown

December 30, 1936 - December 5, 2018

William E. Brown, 81, of Cortland, poet, philosopher, lover of books and man of faith, passed away on December 5, 2018 at Cortland Regional Nursing Facility. Born December 30, 1936 in Geneva, William was the son of William E. and Katherine McNamara Brown. William attended S.U.N.Y. Cortland, the University of Pennsylvania, and he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Michael’s College in Toronto and his Masters Degree from Canisius College. William was employed for many years as a teacher with St. Mary’s Parochial School, Cortland, N.Y., Jamesville-Dewitt School District and Christian Brothers Academy. He retired after several years on the support staff of Tompkins Cortland Community College where he was an ardent union member. William was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Helen B. and Louis E. Zych of Manlius. Survivors include nieces and nephews Anne Mary Zych and John (Marge) Zych both of Manlius, Kathleen (Will) Buchanan of Altamont, N.Y. and Kevin (Jessica) Zych of Connecticut; six great nieces and nephews; and several cousins. The family extends its appreciation to the staffs of Cortland Regional Nursing Facility and ElderChoice for the patient and kind care provided to our uncle at the facility and while he was still at home, and a special “thank you” to neighbors and dear friends Richard and Denise Bushnell for service above and beyond the call of duty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday January 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Prayers of committal will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in William’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Parochial School 61 N. Main St. Cortland, N.Y. 13045 Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com