Obituary of C. Stephen Brown

Carley Stephen “Steve” Brown, 76, of Pocono Pines, passed away on September 13, 2014 at the Kingston Health Care Center after a lengthy illness. He was born April 20, 1938, in York, PA, the son of Katharine Louise Brown (nee Smith) of York, and Carley Lemuel Brown of Alachua and Lakeland FL. Early on Steve enjoyed performing for himself and others, whether he was playing Robin Hood or the violin, clarinet and eventually the French horn. He was also a collector—of baseball cards, marbles, comic books and jazz recordings, especially Dave Brubeck, Stan Kenton, John Coltrane. At William Penn Senior High, York, he acted in several productions, was a member of the student council, played in the orchestra, and served a stint as Drum Major of the York High band. After high school, he left for New York City to try his hand in the TV industry and landed a job as a Page/”gofer” at NBC, working for, among others, Steve Allen of the Tonight Show, Johnny Carson when he hosted, “Who Do You Trust?”, appearing as Annette Funicello’s boyfriend as she sang “Tall Paul” on a Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show and helping Fran, of the Kukla, Fran and Ollie puppet show. He then enlisted in the Army and upon completion of basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, Steve spent the next 3 years stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Back in the States, he returned to PA, enrolled in Millersville (State Teachers) College, earned his degree, and was hired to teach high school level English and dramatics in the Methacton School District. With his Principal and fellow teachers they formed the Methacton Community Theatre, where he met Nancy Edmunds, a special education teacher who shared his love for the theatre. Steve also displayed his talents in local little theatres, particularly the Forge Theatre in Phoenixville, He was recognized with rave reviews and numerous acting awards for performances in a variety of productions ranging from musical comedy, such as his favorite, “Guys and Dolls,” which he also directed, to drama as in “Inherit the Wind. Having married Nancy, they retired from their home in Valley Forge to Lake Naomi in Pocono Pines, still continuing with their love for and involvement in the theatre. You could also find him, running, playing golf, directing, acting, being on the lake or enjoying his seven grandchildren. In addition to his beloved Nancy, daughter Karen Keitel and her husband Steve, son Michael Brown and his wife Jessica, grandchildren, Emily, Isaac, Lauryn, Noah, Analise, Alayna, Tyler, he is survived by a sister, B. Susan Brown; a cousin, Linda DePatto and many friends and lots of theatre lovers! A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25th at 11:00am at the Pocono Lake United Methodist Church, 1180 Pennsylvania 940, Pocono Lake. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Steve’s name to the Forge Theatre, PO Box 474, Phoenixville, PA 19460.