Duncan Brown

Duncan Brown, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 75. A man known for his strong work ethic, his Scottish pride, and his unwavering love for his family, Duncan leaves behind a legacy of hard work and warm memories.

Born in Scotland on April 20, 1950, Duncan was a true son of Alba Gu Bràth. He spent his childhood in Scotland before immigrating to the United States with his mother in December 1967, arriving in the midst of a snowstorm that set the tone for his resilient nature. He settled in Rochester, NY, and attended East High School. Following his graduation, Duncan answered the call to serve his new country, joining the United States Army.

Duncan served with distinction in Germany, working as a mechanic and earning the honor of driving generals around the base. He carried a lifelong pride in his service, speaking fondly of his military time and what it meant to him to wear the uniform.

In 1971, Duncan walked into Gleason Works to apply for a job just as another employee was walking out – what could have been just a moment of pure luck began a dedicated over 47-year career. Starting as a machinist on the floor, Duncan rose through the ranks to become a foreman, supervisor, and eventually earned the honor of being an Elder Statesman of the company. He traveled to Japan and Switzerland, sharing his expertise on the machinery and gears he helped develop. A beloved figure at Gleason, former teammates joked that one always had to "look out" when Duncan came around the corner. In his final years at the company, Duncan’s humor shone through in his remarks that working from a cubicle was so thoroughly enjoyable that it already felt like retirement.

In July of 1977, Duncan married the love of his life, Christine, and they welcomed two children, daughter Jacqueline, in 1978, and son Stuart (Stu), in 1982. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and joy. In his spare time, Duncan could usually be found enjoying a round of golf with his Gleason friends and family, naming Durand Eastman as his favorite course. He took great pride in his home, maintaining his lawn with the precision of a putting green, and often generously snow blowing driveways for neighbors whenever the Rochester winter hit. A history buff, he enjoyed reading war books and watching war movies.

Above all, Duncan’s greatest joy was his family, particularly his granddaughter, Julia; from the moment she was born, she was the light of his life. He cherished every moment spent reading to her, helping her learn soccer, and introducing her to golf, where she, like her beloved “Dundin,” is a natural. The duo’s sweetest tradition was going to the nearby family pharmacy to pick up a Kit Kat to enjoy during the many sleepovers Julia shared with him and Granny.

Duncan is predeceased by his loving wife, as well as his parents, Audrey Barbour and John “Jack” Brown, and his stepfather, Archie Barbour.

He is survived by his brother, Stuart Brown (Sue); his daughter, Jacqueline Andersen (Jeffery); his son, Stuart; granddaughter, Julia; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Rosanne Carpenter, April Stein, and Peter Schulick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours and a memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 24 from 1 – 3 pm at Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, 777 Long Pond Road, Rochester. The calling hours will be ended with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by calling 1-800-272-3900 or mailing to P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011.