Robert Nelson Garrison

Born on August 24, 1937, in Philadelphia, he was the beloved son of Olin and Elsie Garrison and grew up in Yeadon with his brother Jim. He was a graduate of Yeadon High School and earned a scholarship from the Bulletin which enabled him to attend the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Architecture. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard in the early 1960s.

Bob went on to build a distinguished career as an Architect. In 1969 he started the practice of Hamilton Murphy Garrison Architects working for major developers. In 1986 he started Garrison Architects with his children. The firm focused on public sector clients including Counties, Municipalities and School Districts becoming the premier South Jersey Architect of Record firm representing over 60 School Districts.

Beyond his professional life, Bob was a man deeply devoted to his family. He was known for his personal qualities of kindness, strength, humor, and wisdom. He had a gift for telling stories, mentoring others, bringing people together, making people feel valued.

He found great joy in traveling, fishing, golfing and especially cherishing time spent with family in Ocean City every summer. He was a life member of The Union League of Philadelphia. In Palm Beach he was a member of The Everglades Club, Club Colette, The Society of the Four Arts and The Crocodiles. His community service included committee appointments and coaching in Moorestown and in Palm Beach served on the Architectural Review Commission,

where his architectural talents can be seen today with his influence on many projects that were built during his tenure.

To those who knew him best, Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud father, grandfather, great grandfather, a loyal friend, and a steady presence in the lives of his family and friends. His legacy is one of family values, generosity, discipline and faith.

Bob was the beloved husband of Antoinette (nee Rappold) loving father of Robert, Jr. (Nancy), Brooks (Peggy) and Christie McBrearty (Tim); adoring grandfather of Elizabeth (Noah), Jennifer (Mike), Robert III, Jacqueline (Taylor), Megan (Lorenzo), and Kyle (Kelly); great grandfather of Michael, Jr. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim (Peggy).

A Funeral Mass will be held on April 18, 2026, at the Basilica of St. Edward, Palm Beach, FL at 10:30 am and reception to follow at the Everglades Country Club, Palm Beach, FL. A Memorial Service will be held this Summer in New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Franklin Institute online or by mail to: The Franklin Institute, Attn: External Affairs, 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

“A life well lived, a man deeply loved, and a legacy that will never fade.”