Alan R. Brown, Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

ALAN R. BROWN, SR. HAMILTON LAKES - Alan R. Brown, Sr., 86, of Hamilton Lakes, died Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. He was born on April 23, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late George and Sophie (Dudek) Brown. He studied the accordion during his youth from Andy Rizzo and many other teachers. After high school, he joined the Army and was stationed in Moroati, a small island in the South Pacific, during World War II. He was a radar repair specialist but mostly entertained the troops with his accordion. At one point, he played for Ginger Rogers; she told him to come to see her after the war. However, Alan had other plans and went back to Chicago where he attended Wright’s Junior College and the Chicago Musical College, where he learned to play and teach other instruments. Alan became a music teacher at Wurlitzer’s in Chicago where he met June Sanford, and it was there that the whirlwind relationship began. They were married at the Methodist Cathedral on November 5, 1948 in downtown Chicago and shortly after, moved to Vulcan where they have lived for 60 years. Alan was a jazz musician, and a private music teacher to many. He was a member of the Norway Lodge #362, Free and Accepted Masons, Floriano-Stecker Post #340, American Legion, and the Faithorn United Methodist Church. He also volunteered for the Golden K, the VA Medical facility, and was the organist and choir director at the Grace United Methodist Church for over 20 years. Alan is survived by his wife Helen June as he always referred to her, a daughter Bernadette Brown, son Alan Jr., and daughter Georgia Corsi, who all reside on “Brownsville Road” Hamilton Lakes, son Drew Brown and daughter-in-law Karen who reside in Commerce Township, Michigan. His music has stopped, but it lives on through his grandchildren, Nathan Emerson musician, and songwriter; Sarah Corsi American’s number 1 country fan; Bethany dancer and owner of Hudson Dance Academy in Hoboken, New Jersey, her husband George; Taylor Brown, vocalist and musician; and Alana Brown, vocalist and pianist. He leaves his sister-in-law Diane Malone, his niece Kim Honcik and her children Kayla and Kyle along with his extended family, the LaPines, the Rostagnos, and the Sanfords and many dear friends. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Bernard and Sarah Sanford, sister-in-law Donna Sanford, sister Geraldine Ramah, son-in-law Ted Corsi, Sr., and nephew Bob Honcik. Alan loved teaching music and he loved his students. The family hopes his music lives on through them. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held Sunday, May 24, at 4:00 p.m. at their home, N1307 Hamilton Lakes Road. We hope his family, friends, student, and those who loved him and his music will attend.

Alan R. Brown, Sr.

April 23, 1923 - May 2, 2009