Harvey M. Brown

Harvey M. Brown of Worcester, N.Y., who grew up in East Hampton and once worked at the Startop Ranch in Montauk, died on Aug. 21 at the Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego in Cooperstown, N.Y. He was 72 and had pancreatic cancer.

Known for having a big heart and for his love of animals and gardening, Mr. Brown worked with goats, sheep, and horses and had a ranch in Montana for a time. Before he left the South Fork, he managed Startop, Dr. Leon Star’s breeding and training center for thoroughbreds, in the 1960s and 1970s.

Dr. Star’s daughter, Priscilla Star, remembered him as “a cowboy type” who took his work with animals seriously. “He was dedicated to taking care of the thoroughbreds and our breeding practices at Startop Ranch and helped us with ongoing maintenance there for a good 10 years or so.” She said her father appreciated his good horse skills and considered him a friend, not just a worker.

Born at Southampton Hospital on May 28, 1943, he was the only son of Howard Brown and the former Jessie McMonagle. He was raised on Church Street in East Hampton and attended the East Hampton schools, but after his parents divorced, he and his mother moved. For many years his father was the buildings and grounds superintendent at the Most Holy Trinity School and Catholic Church.

At Mr. Brown’s request, no services were held. His ashes were brought back to East Hampton and buried next to his mother’s at Cedar Lawn Cemetery. His father’s ashes were taken to a family plot at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery at the same time.

Mr. Brown had no children. He is survived by several cousins and also leaves behind a beloved dog named Sugar, who was adopted by a family friend.

Those wishing to make contributions in Mr. Brown’s name can do so to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4891 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326.