Douglas A. "Carlisle" Brown

Douglas A. "Carlisle" Brown, 68, of Groton, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on February 18, 2026 at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center.

Doug was born on October 12,1957 in Cortland, a son of the late Arthur L and Gloria (Metcalf) Brown. He was a lifelong Groton resident, attended Groton Central School, and worked at the Brewer-Titchener Corporation before establishing his own business. 

In 1983, Doug took over a one man garbage route from his uncle Dutch with just a pickup truck, and for the next 43 years, he built it into a well-regarded, locally-owned and family run business, serving generations of customers. Doug's passion was the business, teaching and mentoring his daughter (Christine) on every aspect of it, and ensuring its growth and success. He would proudly refer to employees as the "guys," and he would often say "most of my guys have been with me a long time," always treating everyone who worked for him like family. Doug is the quintessential American success story!

Doug continuously and generously contributed his time and resources to the greater community. He was a retired member of the Pioneer Hose Company # 1 of the Groton Fire Department and took the lead in rejuvenating and chairing Groton's Old Home Days celebrations for several years.

Doug, with Randy, Bulldog and many family & friends over several decades, built, owned, sponsored and raced stock cars. Skyline Raceway was his home track, and he was a fixture at Skyline throughout its run. His many friends will fondly celebrate his competitive and industrious spirit, in addition to his endless tall tales and extensive local news gathering and sharing.

Doug was fondly known as "Papa" to his grandkids and will be remembered by them for his wild stories of owning a pink elephant, stealing jelly beans and picking on them until they would yell for Nana! 

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Christine and TJ Personius; Kristina Rupert, his life partner of 22 years; step-daughters Felicia Tucker (Gary) and Jackie Brown; his grandchildren: Caryssa, Logan, Lacy, Abagail, Bailee, Riley, and Ximenna; sisters, Linda Carnright (Richard) and Elizabeth Brown; brothers, Thomas (Patricia), Troy (Julie), and Lance (Krystal) Brown; Jason & Kristi Personius; and additionally by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is also survived by his guys: Dave, Jayson, Chuck, Danny, Scott, Chris and Levi. As Doug would say, "it's business as usual guys, let's get these routes done." 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased on February 2, 2026 by his longtime wife and devoted business partner, Paula (Conklin) Brown; as well as his step-mother, Esther Brown, and his twin Personius grandsons. 

Friends may call from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Friday, February 27 at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 28. Spring interment will be in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden.

As Doug was an avid sponsor of Groton's sports and little league teams, memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are graciously recommended to Groton Sports Boosters Club, c/o Groton High School, 400 Peru Road, Groton, NY 13073. (gsb@grotoncs.org)

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.shurtleffservices.com.