Obituaries

Donald E. (Ducky) Brown, Jr., 74

January 12, 1951 - December 18, 2025

The family of Donald Brown wish to announce his earthly departure December 18, 2025. Born to Donald E. Brown Sr. and Lorraine F. Adams in Lancaster, PA. He was a loving son, brother, cousin, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Ducky was a 1969 graduate of John Piersol McCaskey high school. He attended Pierce Junior college in Philadelphia, PA. Donald served four years in the United States Navy. He retired from Borgata Casino in June 2020, and returned to Lancaster to be closer to his son Ryan. In that time he was employed by Marriott Hotel and Conference center, located in downtown Lancaster.

He was a sports fanatic. He loved the R&B sound and was a fan of many local groups whom he shared friendships with. Known for his sharp attire he was the life of every party or gathering. It was his belief that a person had to have a special kind of style to wear a hat, and Ducky could wear those hats.

He is survived by his mother Lorraine F. Adams of Fort Mill, S. C., his siblings Philip W. (Philco), of Charlotte, N.C. and sisters, Lorae Israel (Steven) of Charlotte, N.C. and Donnae Carter (Greg) of Harrisburg, PA. Donald is also survived by siblings James Adams Jr., Ephrata, PA, Victor Muhammad (Mayra) of Pittsburgh, PA and Khadijah Adams-Coffield (Louis) of Indianapolis, IN. Lastly, he is survived by his son Ryan Brown (Denise), grandchildren: Alijah Brown, Brayden Kolp, Caiden Brown, Kash Brown, of Lancaster, PA and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Donald Brown Sr. stepfather James Adams and brother, Gary L. Brown.

A celebration of his life will take place on January 3, 2026 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home – 414 E. King Street, Lancaster PA. 17602. The viewing will be held at 11:00 am with service beginning at Noon. Interment will be at a later date.

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Condolences to the Family

January 01, 2026

My condolences to Ducky’s family.  May he rest in peace 
 Angela Crespo Glenn

January 01, 2026

To my dear friend Rainy and family my condolences and prayers for the passing of Ducky, I knew him for a short time but must say he won’t be forgotten. I enjoy his company and was always welcome with open arms. I will always remember you as you call me classy lady RIP my friend. Zaida Richardson-Bey

December 30, 2025

To Mom, Lorae, Philco and the entire family my deepest condolences.
I have loved Ducky as I have my own brothers since our early childhood.  Our bond has never been broken and we continued to enjoy our friendship thorughout our lifetime. We cherished our memories of family and friends and often spent hours filled with laughter and at times deep reflection and gratitude for how full and blessed our lives have been. We treasured the influences and values that our familes, friends and people around us (Our Village) instilled in us. Those influnces and values enabled us to confront and overcome our personal chalenges throughout our lives. And although my heart is broken because of the loss of my dear brother, friend and confidant– my faith is in God and I know his soul resides in a better place and he is now in the glorious company of our families and friends who have gone before us.  I beleive that we will all someday be together again. And until we meet again Ducky’s  memory will remain sacred in me and never fade. May He Rest in Peace… and May God Grant You Grace, Mercy and the Strenghth to endure during this time of berievement.
With Love, Greg Hyson      

December 30, 2025

My sincere condolences to the family may God comfort your hearts and minds in Jesus precious name. Donald and I was very close friends for many years we always had each other back I’m broken heart to hear of his passing we were just together a few weeks ago eating and have lots of fun together no real health problems I just don’t understand his sudden passing. ❤️ 💔 Deborah Taylor

December 28, 2025

My condolences to the family …Ms Rainey my heart felt condolences to you …anything i.csn do it you need I am here you have always been a friend to.me love you 
Dana S Branche

December 26, 2025

I befriended a lovely man several years ago when he was visiting his mother, Rainy, who was my neighbor. Ducky & l shared a similar origin story; we were both African American, had history and family in the same region (l was born in Harrisburg, PA,) were from large, loving families, had interesting careers, similar political outlooks , liked to dress up, and enjoyed learning, laughing & having fun. When he was in NC in October 2025, we spent time together, walking around the campus & driving to areas close by. He will be missed – when he spoke about his mother, son, siblings and life, in general, he was so proud & pleased. Both of us had come to a comfortable place as new friends and when he left, l was looking forward to seeing him on his next visit. May he rest in eternal peace – l WILL see him again… Carolee Smith

December 26, 2025

My sincere condolences to Ms. Lorraine, Lorae, Philco and all of the family and friends. You are all in my prayers.  Tracey Cabanis

December 25, 2025

My sinscere condolences to Ms. Rainey and Family. May God Comfort you all. We all grew up together in the 7th ward, I just talked to Ducky the day before his passing. May he rest in peace.
Randall and Suzanne Thomas

December 25, 2025

Sorry for the loss of Duckie.  Known him for many years.  Angie Crespo Glenn    

December 24, 2025

My deepest condolences to the family and all the friends of Donald I love working with him at Harrah’s. Donald continue to rest in heavenly peace 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Debbie Peterson

December 24, 2025

My condolences to his family Ducky was considered my stepdad and I loved him dearly and will truly miss him I pray for the family and my heart goes out to all his family and friends. Just thinking about you guys everyday. Tara Dorsey

December 24, 2025

My Condolences to the family, Donald was a great friend and coworker from Borgata when I started security in 2014. He Always had my best interest at heart and treated me like family. He was one of the good ones ❤️ Stephen Ontiveros

December 24, 2025

My deepest condolences to his family, He was such a great person, l remember those days, while we are working waterclub, at Borgata Casino, you will be always in my prayers sir, l can’t control my tears, your soul is rest and peace now.
Farjana Khandaker

December 24, 2025

I worked with Don at Borgata. He was sharp and very professional. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Ray Rennie

December 24, 2025

Sending condolences from the Thomas Family. He was really good friends with my uncle Tap Thomas who passed away some years ago. I recently ran into him a few years ago while holding an event at the Lancaster Marriott. What a wonderful storyteller! Prayers of comfort to the family in the days ahead.
Yolanda Thomas-Brown

December 24, 2025

To Philco and family, Thinking of you at this difficult time. Penny Walker

December 24, 2025

My Condolences to Ms Rainey and family.. Donald will be missed 😔. We always had a good time filled with jokes and laughter 😊may he R.I.P.. Love Dawn Roberts🙏🙏

December 24, 2025

Went to School with Ducky. Great Guy. RIP . Karen Miller

December 23, 2025

My deepest condolences to Rainy and the entire family. Words cannot begin to express my sorrow on the loss of Ducky. I’ve known and loved him all my life. He will be missed. My God bless and keep you during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and the family. All my love Carolyn. Carolyn Johnson

December 23, 2025

My condolences to the family in the passing of Ducky. We all grew up together. May God bring peace to your family inhis loss!
Karen G Dixon

December 23, 2025

My deepest condolences to you, Ms. Rainey, and your entire family. You are in my prayers.
Brenda Christmon 

December 23, 2025

I love you so much.  Night crawlers at 3am waking me up to dig at that mud. Then the next day going fishing! So many memories! I can’t believe this was in the lat 70s.  Thank you for everything. My heart is broke but I know you are God’s house so rest! LOVE YOU YOUR ONE AND ONLY DAUGHTER TISHA!

December 22, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 
Debra C. Daniel

Visitation
Saturday, January 03, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Services
Saturday, January 03, 2026
12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

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