Francis R. Strawbridge III, Former Chairman of Strawbridge & Clothier, Dies at 86
Francis R. Strawbridge III, an influential figure in retail and civic leadership, passed away at age 86 on April 22, 2024, due to age-related decline. He died at his home in the Beaumont retirement community in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Strawbridge, who hailed from a prominent family deeply entrenched in Philadelphia's business history, was the great-grandson of Justus Strawbridge, cofounder of the Strawbridge & Clothier department store. He joined the family business in 1961 and ascended through various roles, including assistant buyer, merchandise manager, secretary-treasurer, and vice chairman, before serving as chairman from 1984 to 1996.
During his tenure, Mr. Strawbridge led the company through challenging economic periods, oversaw the renovation of the flagship store at 8th and Market Streets, and celebrated the company's 125th anniversary in 1993. He was known for his customer-centric approach and for creating a family-like atmosphere within the company.
Mr. Strawbridge was also active in civic and business organizations. He served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Germantown Hospital, Einstein Medical Center, and Temple University, among others. Additionally, he held leadership positions with the Botanical Society of Lower Merion, the Ralston Center, and co-chaired United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's 1991 fundraising campaign.
Born on December 14, 1937, in Bryn Mawr, he grew up in Villanova. He was an alumnus of Haverford School and Princeton University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1959. He also served in the Army and Army Reserve and completed an executive training program at Bloomingdales.
Mr. Strawbridge was first married to Patricia Webb, with whom he had daughters Cynthia and Pamela. After their divorce, he married Mary Jo Beatty in 1969, and they had daughters Lynn and Meg. He was known for his love of Philadelphia sports, travel, and his Quaker heritage.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Strawbridge, four daughters, four grandchildren, a sister, and extended family. His memorial service was held on May 1, 2024. Donations in his memory can be made to the Beaumont Employee Scholarship Fund, Holisticare Hospice, and the Haverford School's William L. Klink Jr. and Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund.