Herman B. “Herm” Brown – 81 – of 232 Grand St., Hornell, NY, died Wednesday morning (August 17, 2011) at Hornell Gardens following a brief illness.

Born in Gloucester, MA on October 31, 1929, he was the son of H. Russell & Jessie (Adams) Brown.

Herm grew up in Gloucester, MA and was a graduate of Gloucester High School (class of 1948).  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. 

Herm excelled in baseball, playing High School Baseball and also playing in Germany while in the Army.  He was later scouted (as a pitcher) by the former Brooklyn Dodgers and played pro ball for the Dodger Farm League — including the Hornell Dodgers. 

He was employed as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service in Hornell for over 30 years, retiring in 1989.  Herm was a licensed pilot who owned & flew his own airplane.  He was a life member of the Arkport American Legion, life member of the Hornell American Legion and a life member of the Hornell VFW.  He had also been a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge, Hornell Association and the F& AM (Masons). 

For many years, Herm served as a baseball umpire for the Hornell Little League, Hornell Babe Ruth League, Older Babe Ruth League and also umpired area high school baseball games.  He was an avid golfer and had been a member of the Hornell Country Club and also Twin Hickory Golf Club.  He was proud of the fact that, over the years, he scored 3 holes in one.  He was known to all as an avid Boston Red Sox Fan. 

Herm was married on May 6, 1955 to the former Sue DeLavergne who died June 18, 2010.  He was also preceded in death by 3 infant sons; 1 sister, Marilyn Brown; 1 brother & sister-in-law, Forbes & Jean Brown.

Surviving are 3 daughters, Cynthia McInroy of Canisteo, Catherine (Mark) Allen of Rochester and Charlene (Joseph) Bocklet of Cross River, NY; 1 son, Russell (Donna) Brown of Hornell; 7 grandchildren, Jessica, James, Hanna, Samuel, Emily, Pamela & Sean; several nieces & nephews.

At Herm’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. 

Herm’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.