John E. Brower

John E. Brower, a lifelong resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley, peacefully passed away in the early hours of May 10, 2025, at Ferncliff Nursing Home. Born on May 3, 1951, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Shaw) Brower. He was 74.

John's formative years were spent at Pine Plains Central School, where his athletic prowess shone in football, for which he won many accolades, as well as other sports, including baseball and basketball. After graduating in 1969, he continued his education at Dutchess Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from SUNY Brockport. John personified the phrase, “team player”. He was first to offer to help with anything, and always brought 10x more than he committed to—plus extra chairs, extra red cups, extra _____ (fill in the blank!)

A true passion for skiing defined much of John's life. He dedicated over 50 years to Ski Patrol, beginning his service in 1976 for cross-country at White Birches. By 1988, he achieved dual certification in downhill skiing and became an OEC instructor. His commitment took him from White Birches to Cortina Mountain and finally to Butternut in Great Barrington. Notably, John served as ski patrol for the Olympic Ski Jumps at Lake Placid in 1980 and again at the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. These experiences ignited a lifelong passion for collecting Olympic pins from every Winter Games.

For more than 30 years, John made a meaningful impact at Abilities First in Poughkeepsie, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. His dedication extended to the Special Olympics, where he served as a coach and trainer for over 32 years, culminating in a memorable volunteer experience at the 1997 Special Olympics Winter Games in Toronto.

Beyond his professional and volunteer pursuits, John was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly drawn to NASCAR racing. For three decades, his front-row park-and-view space on turn one at Watkins Glen was a cherished annual tradition shared with loved ones.

John is remembered by his wife, Julia Brower; his daughters, Shannon (Jason) Coll and Katherine Brower; and his grandchildren, Cody Smith and Keira Coll, who held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his brother, Frank C. Brower Jr.; his sister, Sheila (James) Jamieson; and his nephew, Carl Jamieson.

In accordance with John's wishes, no formal services will be held. Instead, a celebration of his life will be announced when arrangements are complete. He will be privately inurned in the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations in John's honor may be directed to Ski Butternut Ski Patrol, C/o PO BOX 607, Great Barrington, MA 01230, or to the Milan Rescue Squad, 900 Route 199, Milan, NY 12571.