Final Salute

HERKIMER – Joseph E. Brown, “Jo Jo Gunn” 69, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully, on October 28, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Joseph was born June 4, 1954, in Carthage, New York, to the late Earl Brown and Hilda (Benware) Brown. He spent his formative years in AuSable Forks before attending Herkimer High School. He entered the United States Navy in 1973 as a Seabee, a distinction of which he was very proud. As a serviceman, he traveled the world, spending time in the Philippines and Diego Garcia, among others.
Fondly referred to as “Grace” by his parents due to his clumsy nature, he found his footing as a fireman. He began his career as a firefighter with the Herkimer Fire Department in 1988, until his retirement in November 2011. His family vividly remembers the once ungraceful Joe bravely jumping the fence from his backyard and running in to save a family from a burning home.
In his retired years, he could be found perfecting his game of solitaire, while watching reruns of Andy Griffith and Wagon Train on repeat. He was a master of garlic braiding, casino gambling and beer drinking and was an active member of the American Legion.
Joseph is survived by his loving children, Courtney (Justin Spoor) Brown and Jordan (Shannon Merchant) Brown; his mother, Hilda Brown; his former wife, Denise Brown; his siblings, Patricia and Bob Douglas, Susan DeRocco, Daniel (Cissy Rando) Brown, Timothy and Cheryl Brown, his brother-in-law, Samuel DeRocco; and his sister-in-law, Pamela Brown. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his father, Earl; his sister, Mary Jane Simonette; and his brother, John Brown.
Special thanks is given to Denise, Danny, Cissy, and Joe’s good friend, Mike Hart, for going above and beyond helping Joe during his illness.
In keeping with Joe’s wishes, his ashes will be spread where the east and west AuSable Rivers meet.
His services have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, NY. Calling hours will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with a Funeral Service immediately following. Friends and family are also invited to join in a celebration of life at the Herkimer VFW after the services.
Joe’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.