Richard A. Brownell, Jr., 50, of Hoosick Falls passed away peacefully April 4th, 2023 in the arms of his wife and with family near.

Born on April 8th, 1972, to Richard Brownell Sr. and Rita (White) Danforth, Richard was a talented writer who completed 11 books, one off-Broadway play, and hundreds of articles and other creative works over the course of his life. Following graduation from NYU, he had a storied career working with publishers including Samuel French, Newsweek, Thomson Reuters, Cengage Learning, and later as the development writer for Bennington College. He was also the founder of Mr. Rick’s History, an online American history magazine. Richard was elected President of the NY Young Republicans and maintained that office for several years with dignity. Though he had conservative roots, he was careful to listen to many opinions and was always thoughtful in his remarks. During the 2008 election, Richard was recruited by the FBI for his diplomacy and writerly talents. He encouraged others to write and worked with neurodiverse adult students in support of their creative endeavors.

Despite some impressive accomplishments, Richard remained humble. In addition to his writing, he was an avid researcher and historian, who enjoyed a day in a library as much as a night out at a movie. His infectious laugh lit up any room and his generosity in sharing his talents with others lives on in those he inspired.

Richard is survived by his wife, Samantha Graves-Brownell of Hoosick Falls; his father and step-mother, Richard and Marie Brownell; his stepfather and mother, Bill and Rita Danforth; a daughter, Riley; step-children Christopher, Lucy, Ava, and Kennedy; a grandfather, Kenneth Brownell Sr.; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. We are fortunate to have been left behind with his voice in the form of a prolific body of work.

Richard faced a very sudden demise from Fahr’s disease with grace. His records will be part of ongoing research in search of a cure.

An award in Richard’s honor has been established. Gifts to the Richard Brownell Excellence in Writing Award at the Hoosick Falls Central School can be made payable to the “HFCSD Prize Account” and sent to “HFCSD Attn: Coleen Viera, PO Box 192, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090.” Please include “Richard Brownell” in the memo.

A private ceremony and burial will take place at the Hoosic Rural Cemetery later this spring.  Arrangements are under the acre of the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls, NY.