Robert Franklin Brown Jr.

Brown Robert Franklin, Jr. April 19, 1936 - May 20, 2025 Passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 89 in Richmond, VA. Born on April 19, 1936, Robert, known as Bob, was a distinguished architect and urban designer. A graduate of Princeton University, where he earned both his A.B. and M.F.A. Bob began his career at GBQC Architects before co-founding Brown and Keener. He designed many buildings including for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, but switched focus on urban design later in his career. He was instrumental in the development of urban plans for cities like Hartford, CT, Hoboken, NJ, and the plan for Liberty State Park in New Jersey. In addition, Bob was deeply committed to community service. He led the Land Use Planning Committee of the Chestnut Hill Community Association and chaired the Ashland, Virginia Planning Board, advocating for walkable, livable communities. Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Louise Brown, his children R. Sanborn Brown, Julie Brown-Garthwaite, Elizabeth Bale, and Hon. Christopher B. Brown, their spouses and 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Franklin Brown, Sr. and Mildred Pierson Brown, and his sister, Carol A. Brown. A Service to honor Bob's life will be held at St. James the Less in Ashland, VA, on June 7, 2025. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chestnut Hill Conservancy.