Carlton Kearns Brownell Jr.

BROWNELL - Carlton Kearns Jr. Of Buffalo and Geneva, entered into rest February 7, 2021. He was known to many by his middle name, Kearns, was born in Geneva, and attended Geneva High School before graduating in 1955 from Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont. He received a B.A. from Colgate University in 1959, where he was captain of the track team. He earned his law degree from Syracuse University in 1962 and married the love of his life, Nancy Smith of Geneva that same year. After law school, Kearns enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a lieutenant in charge of security on Air Bases in England and Turkey. Kearns and Nancy traveled extensively through Europe and the Middle East while stationed overseas. Upon returning to Geneva in 1965, Kearns took up the practice of law, and continued to practice for many years with the McGowan and Brownell firm in Geneva. In 2006, Kearns retired from the law and moved to Buffalo, where two of his children and their families live. He became an enthusiast of all things Buffalo. In 1982, Kearns authored Criminal Procedure in New York, a practice aid that was used by attorneys for many years. In 1989, he ran for Ontario County District Attorney on the Republican ticket. Kearns was a Rotarian, and was honored by that organization as a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also active on a local and national level with the American Red Cross and served on the Red Cross Board of Governors from 1992-1998. As a boy, Kearns was an Eagle Scout with Troop 3 in Geneva, and as an adult, he served as the longtime Scoutmaster of that same Troop. He was also a member of The Presbyterian Church in Geneva, and of the First Presbyterian Church in Buffalo. Beloved husband of the late Nancy Brownell (nee Smith); devoted father of Carlton (Roberta) Brownell III, Susan (Robert) Ervolina, and Jennifer (Roger Morse) Brownell; adored grandfather of Benjamin, Maeve, Fiona, Charlotte, Charles, Lillian, Zachary and Samaya; loving son of the late Carlton and Ruth Brownell Sr.; dear brother of late Leigh (late Barbara) and late Kenneth (late Margaret) Brownell. Kearns enjoyed camping, cooking and spending time with his family on Seneca Lake. He was also an accomplished canoeist and canoe racer, who competed in canoe races well into his 60s. No prior visitation. A Celebration of Life will be celebrated at a later date. Arrangements by the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel). Please consider making a donation in Kearns name to Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake, a Presbyterian summer camp that holds a special place in his families hearts: www.campwhitman.org.