William S. Browne

William S. Browne of Washingtonville entered into rest on Saturday April 6, 2013, after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was 77 years old and was a lifelong resident of the area.

The son of Genevieve Stevenson Browne and Edward A. Browne Sr., he was born Aug. 30, 1935.

William, or “Bill” as he was known to family and friends, worked at what used to be Highland Telephone Company and now Frontier Communications for 52-plus years.

He was also a veteran, having served overseas in the U.S. Army.

William was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Washingtonville as well as a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus - Our Lady of Lourdes, Council #5890.

Bill was an amazing artist who fancied cartoon drawings. In his youth and during his Army years, he was an outstanding basketball and baseball player. Bill was also a skilled bowler, belonging to several Monroe leagues over the years. He loved the game of golf and often went on outings with his friends and family.

He was an avid sports fan. Duke was his team, always faithfully cheering them into the Final Four. He had a passion for baseball and was a devoted New York Yankee’s fan.

Bill was a beloved husband of 52 years to his wife Frances Browne and a loving father to his daughters: Colleen Pham and son-in-law Lu Pham of Washingtonville, Karen Andrews and son-in-law Mark Andrews of Severna Park, Md., Kathleen Steinhauer of Oak Hill, W.V., Christine Browne of Brooklyn and Kelly Fox and son-in-law Patrick Fox of Washingtonville. He was the proud grandfather to Nicholas Pham.

Bill also leaves behind his sister Jean Detro of Greenwood Lake, sister Margaret Ebner of Monroe and brother Jerry Browne and his wife Joyce Browne of Oxford Depot,, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was predeceased by his brother Edward A. Browne Jr.

The family would like to thank his “East Main Street” neighbors for their care and generosity over the years.

A funeral Mass was scheduled to be held April 11 at St. Mary’s Church in Washingtonville. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Washingtonville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prostate Cancer Foundation – Research Fund, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

Funeral arrangements were made by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home. For additional information, call 845-782-8185 or visit online at www.ssqfuneralhome.com.