Robert T. Brown

Friends are invited to visit at the funeral home on Saturday, September 5, from 11am to 12:30pm. A funeral service will begin at 12:30pm.

Robert T. Brown, 90, President Emeritus of the State University of New York at Ulster, passed away on July 20, 2026, in Naples, Florida. He and his family lived in Hurley, Stone Ridge, and Kingston, New York, for more than 40 years before retiring to Naples.

Born on January 23, 1936, in Middletown, New York, to the late David P. and Victoria (Clement) Brown, Robert graduated from Middletown High School and served honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS New Jersey. He earned degrees from Northern Arizona University, Marist College, and SUNY.

Robert joined Ulster County Community College in 1965 and served as its third president from 1974 to 1997. During his tenure, enrollment grew, the campus expanded, and he established the Ulster Community College Foundation and the College Scholars Program, both of which continue to benefit students today. He later served as SUNY Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor before being named the college's first President Emeritus.

A dedicated civic leader, Robert served numerous educational and community organizations throughout his 42-year career. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, reading, and golf, but most of all cherished his family.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, David Brown. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Bonnie (Greene) Brown; daughters Holly Schoonmaker and Jana (Scott) Denny; grandchildren Stephanie (Jordan) King and Brandon (Sierra) Denny; great-grandchildren Liam and Rory; and son-in-law Michael Schoonmaker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert T. Brown Scholarship Fund, Ulster Community College Foundation

.