With Deep Sadness, We Honor the Memory of Robert Brown II
With Deep Sadness, We Honor the Memory of Robert Brown II: A Cherished Friend, an Influential Leader in the Western NY Apple Industry, and a Remarkable Contributor to the Core Mission of CCE (May 23, 1955 — November 23, 2025)
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.
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. To share a special memory of Robert, please visit:
www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes...
To order memorial trees:
https://store.condolences.com/christopher-mitchell-funeral-homes-albion/477eaddf-f945-4dad-b7a7-c0e7125a15bd/trees
or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert R. Brown II, please visit our flower store:
https://store.condolences.com/christopher-mitchell-funeral-homes-albion/477eaddf-f945-4dad-b7a7-c0e7125a15bd/flowers
Make a donation to Michael J. Fox Foundation in memory of Robert R. Brown II:
https://www.mitchellfamilyfune...
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blueberries
Cherries
Currants
Gooseberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries / Blackberries
Strawberries
Unusual Fruit
Upcoming Events
NERME Protecting Your Farm with Progressive Employee Discipline
November 2, 2026 : Introduction to Program and Progressive Discipline
This free, interactive series will prepare farm owners and managers to implement and use progressive employee discipline with their workforce.
Open to all farm types. The series includes a special focus on progressive discipline systems for H-2A utilizing fruit industry farms.
November 9, 2026 : Importance of Feedback
This free, interactive series will prepare farm owners and managers to implement and use progressive employee discipline with their workforce.
Open to all farm types. The series includes a special focus on progressive discipline systems for H-2A utilizing fruit industry farms.
November 16, 2026 : Termination
This free, interactive series will prepare farm owners and managers to implement and use progressive employee discipline with their workforce.
Open to all farm types. The series includes a special focus on progressive discipline systems for H-2A utilizing fruit industry farms.
November 23, 2026 : Special Issues in Discipline/Termination
This free, interactive series will prepare farm owners and managers to implement and use progressive employee discipline with their workforce.
Open to all farm types. The series includes a special focus on progressive discipline systems for H-2A utilizing fruit industry farms.
November 30, 2026 : Employee Handbooks + Labor Roadshow Kick-Off
This free, interactive series will prepare farm owners and managers to implement and use progressive employee discipline with their workforce.
Open to all farm types. The series includes a special focus on progressive discipline systems for H-2A utilizing fruit industry farms.