PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, Samuel James Brown, III, loving husband, father of two and proud grandfather of four, passed away at home at the age of 66. 

Sam was born on July 14, 1954, in Westerly, R.I. to Mary and Sam Brown. On December 18, 1982, he married Cheryl Skinner and raised their daughters Hailey and Julia. 

Over the years Sam held many roles but none of them could outshine his incredible musical talent. Sam had been playing professionally since the 1970s either as a solo act, with his self titled Sammy Brown Band, his daughter Hailey and her friend’s band Wildwood and the occasional sit in with so many of his beloved musicians. 

In 1980 he moved from R.I. to Los Angeles where he performed in the beach cities, Hollywood, Palm Springs and shared the stage with Sally Struthers, Kenny Rankin and Charles Nelson-Riley to name just a few. 

He left Los Angeles to do a five-month booking in Austin, Texas and then returned to New England and released his first album "Strong Box." Shortly thereafter, as a part of the humanitarian effort extended to the people of New York. Following the Sept.11 tragedy, Samuel Brown was featured as the first musician to play in the bi-weekly "Music to Manhattan" series which took place at Nino’s Restaurant on New York City’s Canal Street. 

Concentrating on his originals, he began recording his favorites for a new CD, a collection of

everything from heartbreak and innocent love, to a song about the fire that destroyed his family’s home in 1994 is called "Kissing Booth."

Since then he had released the "Rockin Chair" CD and has one in the works that his daughter and friend plan to finish up and release. 

Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Skinner Brown, brother in law, Jeff Walsh and his mother and father, Mary and Sam Brown. 

He is survived by his daughters, Hailey Vadakin and Julia Fusco, his siblings, Robert and Kathy Main, Amanda Walsh and Chris Brown as well as many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.  

Sammy will be missed by many including all of his fellow musicians. 

Funeral Notice: There will be no funeral service or gatherings in person at this time. We will be holding a Memorial Concert in the summer of 2021 to celebrate Sammy in the way he would want.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up. Donations can be made to Samuel Brown, III Memorial Fund through Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com