Obituary of The Hon. J. Lawson Brown

The Hon. J. Lawson Brown Sr. passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Born in New York City on September 26, 1932, to Edward and Lydia Lawson Brown, Lawson was raised in Fayetteville, NY. He was educated at CBA in Syracuse NY, Niagara University and Syracuse School of Law. Lawson lived in the Syracuse area and Lowville NY as a young lawyer, and Glenmont and Ballston Lake later in life.

Lawson worked in private practice for several years before joining the New York State Attorney General’s office in 1967 as an Assistant Attorney General.  In 1980, Lawson was appointed as a US Administrative Law Judge for the US Social Security Department, where he proudly served until his retirement.

Lawson is survived by his beloved wife Marcia, his children Marcella Barry (Bob), Lawson Brown (Filly), Daniel Brown, Patrick Brown (Pam), and Matthew Brown. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lindsay Blohm, Lauren Fairchild, Patrick Barry; Bridget, Nancy, Gabriella Brown; Lawson, Lily Brown; Molly, Kevin, and Brendan Brown and by five great-grandchildren. Raised to value education, Lawson was pleased that each of his grandchildren either graduated from college or is currently enrolled in school. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Edward.

Lawson most enjoyed spending time at The Great Sacandaga Lake with Marcia, often surrounded by his family. He was a lifetime learner and avid reader, switching to books on tape after blindness. He was a lifetime sports fan, both participating in and watching, and later listening to a wide variety of sports. Lawson was a friend of Bill W. for 48 years.  He took up running at age forty-seven and rowing crew at sixty-eight. He was proud of the fact that at age seventy he participated in the Head of the Fish regatta as one of three generations of his family rowing that day.

His interests were wide ranging, varying from the law to mysticism, breeding and racing thoroughbred horses, golfing, boat building, and a determined “do it yourself” home and lake house owner. Along with his many interests, he often helped others and prided himself on being an open-minded and fair judge.

Despite many physical challenges later in life, Lawson never lost his spirit and independence, with the unwavering and constant support of his loving wife. 

A celebration of Life will be held on Monday April 29, 2024 at 12:30 pm in the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065

Visitation will be from 11 – 1 pm Monday in the funeral home.