Stephen Joseph Brownell

CROGHAN, NY ~ Stephen Joseph Brownell, 77, of Croghan, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Lewis County General Hospital Long Term Care, Lowville, surrounded by his loving family and 4th floor staff.

Born on February 13, 1948, in Lowville, NY, a son of Walter “Wilfred” and Jean Mattimore Brownell, he was a 1965 graduate of Fr. Leo Memorial School in Croghan. He later attended and graduated from New York State Ranger School in Wanakena, NY.

A Vietnam war veteran, he entered the US Army on April 17, 1968 and served with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). A recipient of numerous decorations, including the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm for valor and gallantry in combat, he transferred to the USAR on December 8, 1969, and completed his Army Reserves obligation before being honorably discharged as a SP4 (T) on April 16, 1974.

Stephen worked for many years as a surveyor with Brownell & Brownell Land Surveyors, and also as an engineering firm consultant working on various utility engineering projects before retiring.

Following his retirement he enjoyed spending winters in Georgia. Throughout his life, he took pleasure in stamp and antique collecting, hunting, fishing, walking and running.

He was a life-long communicant of St. Stephen’s Church, Croghan, and was a member of the Beaver River Post 1663 American Legion in Croghan, and lifetime member of the Lowville VFW.  

Surviving are two daughters, Kelly (Dean) Schlueter, of Central Square, and Amy Murphy (Christopher), of Hastings, NY;  six grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, Owen and Eli Schlueter, and Brenna and Liam Murphy; two sisters, Cynthia Bush, of Croghan and Theresa (Carl III) McCane, of Lake Ariel, PA, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services for Stephen will be on Monday, July 14, 2025, beginning with a Prayer Service at 10:15 a.m. at Scanlon Funeral Home, Croghan, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial from St. Stephen’s Church, Croghan, with the Rev. Donald J. Manfred, Pastor, officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Croghan. Food donations may be dropped off at St. Stephen’s the morning of the funeral.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Church Restoration Fund, c/o PO Box 38, Croghan, NY 13327, or Croghan American Legion.

Condolences at www.scanlonfuneral.com.

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