In Memory of Crist J. Brown

Obituary

Crist J Brown, 95, Utica, passed quietly with his son by his side, in the comfort of his home. Crist was a well known downtown Utica Businessman & Florist. Born in Utica to John C and Helen Mavromichalis Brown, he grew up in South Utica and downtown working in the family third generation Greek American business, Utica Floral Co. The Browns were one of the first of Mediterranean descent in the Mohawk Valley, in the early 1B00's.

Crist was born and raised in South Utica, attended UFA (where he was President of the Student Body) and Cornell University. He was active in everything, from years on the Grace Church Choir as well as winning City championship boxing titles at the YMCA through high school. He was an involved officer of Demolay, and throughout his youth, he and his lifelong best friend F Eugene Romano, were involved in early entrepreneurial adventures, even as children. He reveled in the stories of his childhood and adolescence with Gene, Leo Rayhill, Lynn Eldred, and Bill Bouteliere,, his best pals from the neighborhood. He served in the Army, where he quickly achieved the rank of Sargent Major and was utilized for his photographic memory on assignments around post WW2 Europe. He was widely traveled at a difficult time in Europe and North Africa.
On January 10, 1954, in Grace Episcopal Church of Utica, in an unusual and sanctioned Greek Orthodox-Episcopalian officiated ceremony, he married Katherine (Katie) Panarites, a Young Dean at Potsdam from Ilion NY. Together, they raised their family, grew their businesses, and spent almost 64 years of marriage (until Katie's death at Christmastime in 2017 ), together as blend of family and business.

In a family partnership, they built the Herkimer Motel property, which is still family owned as The Red Roof Inn of Herkimer. They were former owners of Georgian Courts and Woodside Apartments, as well as others. Crist was a founder and Director of Florist Clearing Network (FCN) of Florida and Empire Wholesale of Syracuse.
Through the years, the Browns Retail and Wholesale Businesses grew with Crist winning fame as a young florist who led America in "high style design" and as a regular featured speaker at national trade conventions for FTD and Teleflora. Then, as an analyst of trends in buying, for florists, leading Utica Floral to one of the top volume shops in the Northeast.
Crist was also well known for his political involvement, and as a "Staunch Conservative", he said what was on his mind, without apology. He was active in campaigns from Goldwater forward. Heavily involved in the three way election win of Conservative U.S. Senator James L Buckley in 1970, Crist's ability to retain and process numbers kept him in a core close to Ronald Reagan through the 1970's and 1980s.

He was a Member of the Utica Post of the American Legion, a Paul Harris fellow of the·Utica Rotary Club, a life member of Phi Kappa of Cornell University, an officer and Life member of the American Hellenic Education and Philanthropic Association, a former Board Member of the Salvation Army, long time member of the Development Council of St Elizabeth's Hospital, Every Downtown Utica Business Organization, the Chamber, Friends of the FBI, and Society of American Florists.

He was a Patriot and an unapologetic Capitalist, which instilled a work ethic that was remarkable.

He was an investor and promoter of independently owned local businesses. He was a life member of St Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church in DeWitt, and a member and supporter of St George's Orthodox Church of New Hartford. Crist and Katherine would always think back to the years of no East rn Orthodox Churches in the area and appreciated the welcome of both Grace Episcopal in Utica and St Augustine's in Ilion, where both families worshiped as children.

When the Browns retired in 1995, they enjoyed their time and friends at their beloved homes on Sanibel Island in Florida, and 50 years at Fourth Lake, Old Forge, where they finally enjoyed a less demanding pace.

Crist was predeceased by his parents, his Uncle, Basil Brown, with whom he was quite close to growing up, his Brother, Peter J Brown and his wife Angeline of California, and most of his closest friends and family.

He is survived by two sons and their spouses John (Christopher), Dr. James (Susan), and three grandchildren. He is also leaves his Brother in Law, Bela (Bill) Gaspar of Frankfort, and several nieces, nephews, and Godchildren around the country and in Greece. Special mention to Gregory Savas and his wife JoAnn, Herkimer, who, like the rest of the Savas' clan, were attentive and wonderful as extended family to the Browns throughout their lives. Also to long time family friend Nancy Cox Marafioti for being the Angel to our family, and a source of love and support.

Sincere thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Crystal Merrill, for their respectful loving care, and to Caregivers, Inc., who helped us maintain a 24 hour schedule for nearly three years and daytime helpers previous to that Special mention to Arlene and Frank, who with a host of others, provided the care and assistance to help us accommodate his wishes to stay in his own home.

A Greek Orthodox funeral will take place on Thursday August 5 at 10:00 AM at St George's Orthodox Church, Higby Rd, New Hartford, NY, with luncheon and reception to follow at approximately noon

In honor of Crist feel free to make a donation to Hospice.

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.