Robert (Bob) James Brown (1937-2024) of Normandy Farms Estates in Blue Bell died October 28 from cardiopulmonary disease at Jefferson Abington Hospital. He was 87.
Bob was a fifth generation Philadelphian from the city’s Logan section. Born to Harold Long Brown and Anne (nee Hansen) Brown, he attended Philadelphia public schools, graduating from Central High School in 1955. Following 3 years in the US Army, Bob attended Temple University where he received undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. He enjoyed a 30-year career as a dedicated math and reading teacher in the Colonial School District, Plymouth Meeting, PA where he also coached sports and was instrumental in organizing its first teacher’s union.
Bob retired in 1993, becoming a chain saw and wood-chopping enthusiast, amassing countless cords of wood for his wood burning stove. He helped manage the family’s small real estate business, read hundreds of books, followed politics closely, and traveled throughout Europe and North America. Bob particularly enjoyed puttering about the house engaging in various DIY home improvement projects, restoring an antique Triumph TR6 and watching untold thousands of Eagles and Phillies games.
Bob met his future wife Ingrid (nee Schikor) while stationed at Bindlach Army Base, near Bayreuth in Bavaria. They were both 19. Ingrid was a German war refugee, narrowly escaping the Russian invasion of eastern Germany with her mother and siblings during the winter of 1945. An outgoing and independent young woman, Ingrid was an intrepid traveler, visiting Rome as a young teenager and living in Paris and London. Spurning German men whom she found “repressive,” Ingrid left Germany for the US where she reunited with Bob soon after his Army discharge. They were married in 1959 and settled in the West Mount Airy section of Philadelphia where they raised their 4 boys.
Bob is survived by Ingrid and 3 sons, Christopher, Michael and David, daughter-in-law, Marie, three grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas (Fiona) and Emma (Samuel) and a great granddaughter, Francis. Bob and Ingrid’s son, Nicholas died in 1985.
Memorial services will be held at a future date with friends and family. Donations in Bob’s memory may be given to the Unitarian Society of Germantown or the ACTS Legacy Foundation, Employee Recognition Fund.
