Arthur Tappan Brown, of Belle Mead, peacefully passed away Monday, September 26, 2016.He was born December 11, 1921 to Dr. Lewis Nathan Brown and Alice Moench Brown.
Art graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1939, and Trenton State College in 1943. He earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from NYU. Art was a Sergeant in the US Army Air Corps from 1943-1946, where he drilled soldiers prior to their deployment. While based in Texas, he was also a Boy Scout Scoutmaster.
Art married Helen Bond Doyle in 1947. In 1949, he was the second physical therapist hired by Dr. Kessler for Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. He held NJ Physical Therapist License # 00000003 until his retirement in the 1990’s. In 1951, Art was designated as a Fulbright Professor tasked with establishing a national Physical Therapy Program in Greece after their civil war. He was a visiting lecturer and helped to set up a PT school. He and Helen lived in Greece for one year.
In 1955, he began his 35 year career with the Newark School System- Bruce Street School, where he taught physical education to blind and deaf students. He also developed and implemented PT plans for his multi-handicapped students. After school, Art worked for the Visiting Nurse Association in Union County for 35 yrs.. He was a 50 year member of the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield where he held positions of Sunday School Teacher, Deacon and Elder.
He served one year on the National Physical Therapy Board of Directors. In 1966, he was appointed to the NJ Physical Therapy Advisory Committee by Governor Hughes. Helen and Art moved to Belle Mead in the early 1990’s and was active in several local clubs.
He will be remembered for his warm welcoming smile, bright blue eyes, his caring persona as a healthcare provider, Church leader, loyal friend, and as a wonderful and unforgettable Dad.
Husband of the late Helen Bond Doyle Brown, he is survived by: his daughters Diane (William) Horton and Roxane (Mario) Brown-Campello; his sister Jeannette Brown Lindgren; his brother-in-law Don Thiel; seven grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Blawenburg Reformed Church on Saturday, October 1st at 11am followed by light refreshments in the church hall.
