Michael Brown

Michael Alan Brown, 75, of Harrisburg, passed away on the sunset of Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at his residence in Harrisburg with his wife and son by his side. 

Mr. Brown was born August 17, 1951 in Berkshire County, Massachusetts to the late Jack Brown and the late June Post Buffone. Mike “Hammer Down” Brown was a cheerleader of life for all those that knew him. Mike grew up in East Canaan, Connecticut on his family’s dairy farm. He was honored to have grown up with his cousins, Laura, Gloria, Ben, Matthew, Becky, Peter, Barry and Lori. Mike also deeply cherished his friends, who he considered family as well. Growing up on the dairy farm, gave him a work ethic like no other and he never stopped looking for things, events or people to invest his time in. As Mike would describe to anyone who would listen, meeting his wife Joanne in 1972 was the greatest thing to ever happen to him. In 1982 they made the decision to move to Charlotte, NC. They became members of Harrisburg United Methodist Church in 1983. As part of the Harrisburg community, he became instrumental in making Harrisburg Fire Department what it is today, serving as President of the Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years and a member of Harrisburg Town Council from 2002-2004. Mike endevored to establish his village around himself and assist in building his church. He believed in the value of fellowship, service and giving back to his community, which led him to coordinate and cook for the church’s annual fish fry, and fall bbq’s to raise money for missions and the Harrisburg food pantry, along with numerous fund raisers for the people of Harrisburg in need.

In Mike’s wanderings around the world, he never met a stranger. He had a passion for travel, by his motorcycle, plane and RV. His travels took him all over the US and Canada. He was President of the Motorcycle Tourers Forum and participant in “Iron Butt” rides, ‘Moonshine Lunch Run’ and other long distance motorcycle trips. He obtained his private pilots license and became part of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1083. As their treasurer for numerous years, he spearheaded fundraising efforts and was instrumental in obtaining the kitchen in the EAA hanger and paying off the mortgage. One of Mike’s most fulfilling activities was working with the youth of the Young Eagles program, flying over 100 members of their Aviation Summer Camp. 

Mike didn’t just have a passion for volunteering his time for cooking, but also becoming a Master Freemason of Newel Lodge 739 in 1999 and then a Shriner in 2001. Throughout the years as a Mason, Mike was always willing to lend a hand, help prepare meals, work along side his brothers on lodge projects and provide counsel. He enjoyed visiting other lodges as well and enjoyed spending time with Masons across the fraternity, believing that friendships and fellowship is what made Masonry special. His dedication and involvement eventually led him to serve as Worshipful Master of his lodge in 2026, a role he carried with pride and a genuine desire to serve his brethren. 

His service extended beyond the lodge through his involvement in the Mecklenburg Shrine Club. He served on the board, establishing the club’s annual fish fry fundraiser, and helped lead the annual pancake breakfast, raising money in support of Shriners Hospitals for Children for their mission of caring for children in need. Whether serving his church, the Harrisburg community, he’s fellow Masons and Shriners, he demonstrated his commitment through his actions. He leaves a legacy of friendship and generosity that will be remembered by the many family, brothers and friends who had the privilege of knowing and working along side him.

The family will receive friends from 2:00‑3:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service on Sunday, October 25th at 3:00 pm at Harrisburg United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, NC and officiated by Reverend Rob Hutchenson.

 Survivors include wife, Joanne Brown of Harrisburg, NC, son, Patrick Michael Brown and two grandchildren, Nephews: Brian Siddle (Jeannie) and Danny Howard

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Brown family.