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:
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or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert R. Brown II, please visit our flower store:
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Make a donation to Michael J. Fox Foundation in memory of Robert R. Brown II:
https://www.mitchellfamilyfune...
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Upcoming Events
2026 Orleans County - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Pre-Exam Training
March 9, 2026 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 1
Albion, NY
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
March 13, 2026 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 2
Albion, NY
This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.
2026 Orleans County - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Exam
March 16, 2026
Albion, NY
A Certification Exam will be administered on March 16th by the DEC to Qualified Applicants. Plan to arrive by 8:30am. The fee for the exam is $100: bring a check payable to NYSDEC the day of the exam. You must register with DEC to take the exam. To register for the exam or if you have questions regarding the Certification Process, please contact Justin Schoff at the Bath DEC office (607) 622-8290.
Postharvest Water Management, Sanitation, and Traceability Workshop
March 18, 2026
Albion, NY
Cornell University personnel from the National GAPs Program and the Produce Safety Alliance are presenting a workshop on postharvest water management, sanitation, and traceability. This workshop will include a mix of short talks and hands-on activities to provide attendees with applied experience with sanitation, postharvest water, and traceability topics.
2.75 NYSDEC CEU's in categories 10, 1a, 22, and 23 available.