Francis R. Strawbridge III

1937 - 2024

Strawbridge Francis R. III Of Bryn Mawr, PA, passed away peacefully on April 22nd, 2024, age 86. Mr. Strawbridge was born Dec. 14, 1937 in Bryn Mawr, PA. He grew up in Villanova, PA. He graduated in 1955 from The Haverford School in Haverford, PA. In 1959 he graduated from Princeton University. He began his retail career in 1960 in the Executive Training Program at Bloomingdales in New York City. He started work in 1961 at Strawbridge & Clothier in Philadelphia, PA, and was part of the fourth generation of the Strawbridge family who were active in store management until its sale in 1996, when he retired as Chairman of the Board. Always community and civically active, Mr. Strawbridge served as Chairman of the Board for the Princeton University Store; Director, Mellon Bank; Director, Monro Automotive Tire Service; Board of Managers, Germantown Hospital; Board of Managers, Einstein Medical Center; Board of Managers, Jefferson Health System; President, Ralston Center; Board of Managers, Temple University; Friends Fiduciary Corporation Board; President, Lower Merion Township Botanical Society; United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania – Co-Chairman of the 1992 Campaign; Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors, Executive Committee; Board of Directors, American Retail Federation; Board of Directors, Associated Merchandising Corporation; Board of Directors, National Retail Merchants Association. Mr. Strawbridge held a special fondness for Jackson Hole, WY where he spent several years working at White Grass Ranch as a young man and returned to the area throughout his life. He was a travel enthusiast and loved history, enjoyed playing tennis, and was an avid supporter of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Mr. Strawbridge was preceded in death by his younger brother, David W. Strawbridge. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo (Beatty), and daughters Cynthia Ann, Pamela Rosfelder (Christopher), Elisabeth Strawbridge (Royal Edmunson) and Margaret Butterworth (Robert) and four grandchildren; as well as his sister, Elizabeth Nord (Philip) and a loving extended family. A memorial meeting for worship will be held at Beaumont Retirement Community of Bryn Mawr, PA on Wednesday, May 1st at 11:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Beaumont Employee Scholarship Fund, Holisticare Hospice in Wayne, PA, or the "Klink, Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund" at The Haverford School. Obituary & Condolences www.chadwickmckinney.com