Henry E. Brown's Obituary
“Downtown” Henry E. Brown, 79, of Baldwinsville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Robert and Dorothy (Matthews) Brown and graduated from Central Technical High School in Syracuse. He went on to serve in the United States Navy for 4 years. He joined the Syracuse Police Department in 1973 and retired in 1995. Henry spent over half of his law enforcement career in the drug unit and was involved in detective work in various bureaus which he was very proud of. He was a gaming inspector at the Turning Stone Casino for 4 years. Following his time at the casino, Henry was a senior investigator for the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, retiring after 21 years of dedicated service. Among Henry’s many achievements, he received the Herald Medal in 1979 for his investigation involving extortion and alleged gang violence. He lived life in his own way, making a difference in the lives of many through his police work and off-duty relationships; he always offered to help others with their problems and often stayed involved in their lives for years to follow. Henry would often mentor and speak at local schools to encourage teenagers to stay on track and not enter a life of crime. He would generously buy tickets to Disney on Ice or other events for kids that may not have had a chance to attend on their own. Henry had a love for travel and enjoyed going on many camping trips over the years including two cross-country in his motor home with family and friends. Henry had a love for cars and was a Mopar enthusiast. He loved to cruise in his Redeye Hellcat any chance he could and was also a member of the CNY Mopar Muscle car club.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his children, James and Crystal Brown and his sister, Martha Wilkerson.
Henry is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda (Antonacci) Brown; his son, Craig Brown and his former wife, Kathy Antonacci-Brown; his grandchildren, Jordan Brown, Diamond and Tomzhae‘ Latson, Dominique Warden and Craytia Brown; his great-grandchildren, Zhanee and Johnna Huddleston, Corionna Lane, Aria Rose and Nova Brown, Iyanna, Irvanna, Imani and Ivy Payne; his -brother, Robert Brown, Jr. and Linda Chapman (sister-in-law); a special niece Gloria Underwood; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing (7th floor) for the compassionate care provided throughout Henry’s stay.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (noon) immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Henry’s life at 12:00 P.M. (noon) at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse. Burial will follow in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
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