Charles Denny Brown
Charles Denny Brown, 93, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018, in his Greensboro, N.C., home.
Born May 26, 1925, in Burgettstown, to Cleo Coppock Brown and Thomas Boyd Brown Sr., Charles was the second of five children. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as three brothers, James C. of Burgettstown, Robert B. of Zanesville, Ohio, and Davis S. of Broadview Heights, Ohio, and a sister, Barbara Castrodale of Westerville, Ohio.
After attending Hickory High School in Mt. Pleasant Township, he entered Washington & Jefferson College in 1942, but his education was interrupted when he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. There, he was assigned to the 459th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force, Cerignola, Italy, and as a Liberator bomber crew man, flew multiple missions over the Balkans, Austria and southern Germany. He was awarded the European Theater Medal with a silver battle star and Air Medal with oak leaf clusters.
Upon discharge from service, he graduated from Washington & Jefferson College and attended University of Michigan Law School, where his degree was also delayed for his service in the Korean War. On return from this duty, he completed his law degree at Wayne State University. Following admission to the New York state and federal bars, he practiced law in western New York for many years, primarily in the emerging field of product liability, trying lawsuits in Buffalo and five western New York counties. He was active with the insurance section of New York State Bar Association and Erie County (N.Y.) Trial Lawyers Association. He was also elected and served as a member of Eden Central School Board.
In 1972, he was certified to the register of Administrative Law Judge and, thereafter, served with the U.S. Office of Hearings and Appeals, providing decisions under a variety of titles in the Social Security Act. In 1993, he was placed in U.S. Senior Administrative Law Judge status, and in 1997, he was appointed to a special cadre of judges within the department to deal with difficult Medicare B cases. He served continually at that function until he retired June 1, 1999.
Charles married the love of his life, the late Jean Gallagher of Sheridan, in 1948. They were married 60 years, spending most of their married life in western New York and relocating to Greensboro in 1975 to pursue his judicial career.
He is survived by his five children, Susan Hyman West (husband Peter) of Philadelphia, Charles Jr. (wife Terry) of Syracuse, N.Y., Barbara Buchner (husband James) of Pittsburgh, Thomas (wife Kim) of Tega Cay, S.C., and Elizabeth Friday (husband David) of Tryon, N.C. He is the much beloved grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
His love of painting oil portraits and landscapes was self-taught, and in 2001, he authored a children’s novel, “A Slight Touch of Terror,” for his grandchildren.
Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro with a Celebration of Life service to be held in the coming weeks. Betty Barclift, Raymond Benton and Bobby Riddick were his dedicated caregivers, and many friends and neighbors supported him during his later years. He will forever be remembered for his gentle nature, keen intellect, quick wit and his unwavering love of family and friends.
Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.