Robert R. Brown II

WATERPORT – Robert R. Brown II (Bob), 70, seventh generation farmer at Orchard Dale Fruit Farms, business owner of Brown’s Berry Patch and founding partner of Lake Ridge Fruit Company in Albion, passed away Sunday (Nov. 23, 2025).

Robert was born May 23, 1955, in Albion, NY, son of Ralph Reynolds and Claire Clement Brown. He was a graduate of Albion High School and Cornell University (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) where he studied Pomology. Growing up outside of the farm he enjoyed horses and was active in 4H. At Cornell he was a proud member of the Polo team and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Serving his community was central to who Bob was. During his professional farming career he was a proud member of many associations: Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee Orleans Alumni Cornell Club, International Fruit Tree Association, New York Apple Association and the Albion Rotary Club. He also was a former director on Albion Federal Savings and Loan, the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AgriTech), Cornell University Agricultural Advisory Board, Carlton Town Planning Board, and served on the Farm Credit of Western New York and Farm Credit East board of directors.

Most of all Bob’s life was devoted to family, friends and the succession of agriculture.

Survivors include his loving wife, Deborah (Beers) Brown; two children, Robert R. (Beth) Brown III of Waterport, Sarah (Scott) Brown Bennett of Harwood, MD; mother, Claire Clement Brown; grandchildren, Emaline Brown, Addison Brown and Robert Bennett; siblings, Dr Leslie (Clark) Couse, Eric (Margy) Brown, Jill (Jon) Matthews.

Mass will be held in his honor at 11am Saturday, December 13 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph's Church 106 S. Main St. Albion, NY 14411. A celebration of life reception to follow will be announced at the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research give.michaeljfox.org and Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph's Church.

Arrangements are being made by Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion. 

To share a special memory of Robert, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com