Harold William Brown, Jr ., 81, died peacefully of liver cancer on Dec. 28,2008 at The Watermark on Logan Square. His love of Philadelphia, the arts and the peace of the seashore defined his life. Born in Chester County, Harold was a graduate of Ridley Township High School and Penn State University.

After serving in the Air Force for 5 years, Harold returned to the Philadelphia area and settled in Center City where he spent the rest of his life. He was first employed as an enginering draftsman for Franklin & Lindsey in the Commercial Trust Building from 1954-1956. His long time employer however was Mastrin and Mastrin, Architects in Ardmore, PA. beginning in 1964. He was a devoted architectural draftsman, mentoring many along the way. Harold's career was cut short tragically in 1990 on Christmas Eve when as a pedestrian he was hit by a van on Broad St. He was left partially disabled but he never let this prevent him from enjoying the theater, concerts, cinema and the rest of the fine arts in Philadelphia and New York.

Harold had the largest collection of Playbills,classical records, art related books and ticket stubs that you could imagine. A faithful member of the Cinema Salon , he made other members jealous with the huge number of films he was able to see each week. He was an avid lover of classical film as well as new cinema. Although Harold did not own a television at his apartment, his last days were spent at The Watermark in front of a flat screen TV, watching Turner Classic Movies recalling every movie, actor and director.

Harold was a consistant patron to the Curtis Center, AVA, the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Actors Fund in NY and many smaller theater and arts groups. 1812 Theater Group was one of his favorite.

Mr. Brown lived on Rittenhouse Square and loved all that the City could offer and was most happy talking about its cultural treasures. His cousin, Cheryl Zautcke from Wisconsin relates how he was so enthusiastic about showing her the Tiffany mural at the Curtis Center during a 2001 visit. They spent a long time marveling at the beauty.

Harold is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Weselinski of Voorhees,NJ, numerous cousins and many loving friends. A celebration of his life will be on Feb 7, 2009 in Center City. For more information contact: suzanne.petruzel@prufoxroach.com.