Richard James Brown

Richard James Brown, 62, of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, following a courageous, years-long battle with cancer that over time diminished his body but never his enduring spirit, his sense of humor that made rooms erupt into laughter, or his deep love for family, friends and his dogs, Molly and Lucy. Born to Walter and Claire Brown on December 27, 1954, Ricky was a standout athlete at Spaulding High. A member of the baseball and football teams, he became the first player in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards (1,013 in 1971). That year, he led the Red Raiders to a 9-0 record and the Division II championship.  For 35 years, Ricky was married to Valerie (Ruel) Brown, with whom he had three children: Jon, Scott and Jenna. He was a family man who coached his kids' sports teams and, later in life, doted on his granddaughters, Emma and Graycee. In his final weeks of hospice care, Ricky, with help from friends, found the strength to get out of bed, wear a suit and see his daughter marry...