Michael Lawrence Brown, 69

April 22, 2017

Michael Lawrence Brown, age 69, of Lancaster (PA) , and formerly of the Bronx, NY, peacefully passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017 in his residence.
Born in the Bronx, NY, he was the husband of Theresa (Adams) Brown of Lancaster (formerly of the Bronx), and the son of the late Bene and Louise (Snead) Brown.
Despite an early childhood of chronic sicknesses, suffering from ailments like asthma and Polio, Michael would not allow the physical setbacks of his youth to limit him. He challenged, strengthened, and developed himself into an accomplished athlete. Michael was very proud of the medals and trophies that filled his bedroom, which he received for winning a variety of competitions and tournaments as a young man.
Early in his adult life, he was employed by Metro North Railroad as a Transportation Clerk, but his life’s work was as a coach. He had a heart for coaching and sharing his knowledge of the game of basketball. He coached in many states around the country and impacted the lives of young men and young women through his love of the sport. He began coaching teams for tournaments in and around Forest Projects in the Bronx. As his understanding of coaching basketball increased, he entered more and more competitions and experienced greater success. He also coached in an influential Mt. Vernon League in New York renowned for producing notable professional basketball players. It is worth recognizing his work at Parkchester in the Bronx, Millbank Athletic Center, Basketball City, and Trinity High School’s girls basketball team in Manhattan.
Music was in his blood. Michael was a talented musician and came from a musical family. His children were raised listening to the melodious whistling sounds of Michael playing the flute. He also played the trumpet, and the alto saxophone. Music was a part of his everyday life, and he especially had a passion for Jazz music. It was not unusual to hear him singing songs, playing music, or telling stories about the careers of various music artists from his vast Vinyl collection. Michael spent the last year of his life helping to teach one of his grandsons to play the trumpet.
In addition to his wife of 46 years, he is survived by 3 sons and their wives: Michael Jr. and Shante Brown of Brooklyn; Jarret and Emily Brown of Philadelphia; and Teren and Barbara Brown of Lancaster; 17 Grandchildren: Justin, I-Ebony, Rahmell, Wayne, Jayden, I’Aziyah, Chase, IxChel, Idrese, Shante, Michael III, Shannon, Jasmine, Marcellus, Jalil, Joseph, and Cheyenne; 3 Great-Grandchildren: Jasmine, Caitlyn, and Kylee; A niece and nephew that Michael and Theresa helped raise: Rasheeda Simms and Zachary Wilson. He had 2 sisters: Constance and Helen; and a brother Terry. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Bene and Herbert; and a sister: Sandra.
Michael will be remembered as a father who wanted to give his children a better life than he knew. He taught them to revere GOD, to honor their mother, to help the less fortunate, to value education, and to be strong in life.

Michael was loved dearly and will truly be missed.