Michael Allen Brown

Michael Allen Brown, a renowned adventure sports enthusiast, entrepreneur, and loving family man, passed away on October 14, 2022, in Edgewood at the age of 65. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1957, to James Allen Brown and Ronnie Mae Deckon, Michael spent his childhood in Pittsburgh, PA and Merritt Island, Florida near Cocoa Beach. He graduated from Rockledge Sr. High School and went on to follow in his father's footsteps by joining the Merchant Marines, sailing with him on the SS Sylvania for several years.

Michael was an avid athlete, excelling in various activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing, surfing, motocross, racquetball, and mountain biking. In his mid-thirties, while balancing a full-time job and a young family, he followed his passion and opened a retail bicycle store called Maestro Cycles, where he earned the nickname "the Maestro" for his delicate and artful work involved in building a wheel. He then went on to open his own bicycle fabrication business called Maestro Frameworks.

In 2013, Michael was recognized for his "unprecedented creativity" in helping people with disabilities find ways to ride a bicycle and received a Citizen's service award from the City of Pittsburgh. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl declared December 6th to be "Michael Brown Day" in honor of his remarkable achievements.

Michael was known for his sense of humor and ability to make anyone laugh. He embraced physical challenges and loved any kind of adventure. He was a devoted and loving partner of 14 years to Suzanne Marie Atkinson, who cared for him during his final three and a half year battle with brain cancer. 

Michael is also survived by three daughters from his first marriage, Alison Schilling (Jason), Caitlyn Brown, Mikayla Brown, former wife Petra Obley Tomcik and their daughter Larkin Sophia Brown, and his two grandchildren Addison Jane Schilling and Coleson Nicholas Schilling. He is also survived by his sister, Teresa "Tracey" Lynn Stringe, his nephews Colin Brown Stringe and Zachary Brown Stringe and preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Veronica,  and his brother Hugh "Huey" Allen Brown.

Michael Allen Brown lived a life full of adventure, creativity, and love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A private celebration of life will be held on May 6th at Bradford Woods Community Church in Bradford Woods, PA.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his memory to the Southwestern PA Climber’s Coalition chapter of the Access Fund. Arrangements by John A Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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