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We recently learned of David's passing in Santa Fe in 2023. Personally I don't remember him at Heights, although he was only there our last two years. But in working on this website I owe him a great debt for researching and posting obituaries of our classmates. I have tried to find his obituary, but have been unsuccessful.
I really tried to get him to come to a reunion, but he did not. So I really miss a classmate I never knew, but felt really close to. We did communicate a few times over email. So this a tribute to David Brown, a hero in my eyes.
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Charles Peterman
Very sorry to hear that David passed away. I knew him , but not real well. He hung out with the same crowd I did at Heights. He was quiet and seemed like a good Guy. He was very helpful in finding info on Classmates who had passed away. God Bless him, RIP my brother.
Alizah "Fran" (Fraida) Blake (Hochstead)
Lots of names are listed but he was own of the few I do remember I am saddened by the news Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Stephanie Katz (Farley)
David's wife Valery forwarded this to a classmate who sent it on to me. It confirmed what I already knew from my relatively brief relationship with David; he was a special person.
David Keith Brown passed away on February 11, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Born on September 15, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, David led a life dedicated to history, preservation, and the arts.
David graduated St. Margaret Mary Elementary, Cleveland Heights High School, the University of Illinois (BA), and Baruch College (MBA) in New York.
David founded an historic preservation business in New York City, restoring interiors of some of the city's most treasured landmarks; the Reading Room at the New York Public Library and the ceiling at the American Stock Exchange. He consulted at the Ellis Island National Monument and worked on numerous churches throughout Manhattan, including West End Collegiate Church, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, and Grace Church. His dedication to preservation extended beyond national borders-he sent an employee to collaborate with restorers working on the Sistine Chapel frescoes.
In 1987, David and his wife opened the Valery Taylor Gallery, selling European Old Masters and Spanish Colonial art.
In 1999, he envisioned a new way to bring art and history to wider audiences through digital media. His venture, Museum Planet, combined photography and detailed cultural insights into interactive guides for cities rich in visual heritage across Europe. Initially conceived as CD/DVD guides before transitioning into iPad applications, this project reflected David's ability to merge technology with historical appreciation.
David was an avid reader with a deep passion for history. It was not uncommon for him to reach out to discuss a newly discovered article or book-always eager to explore ideas further. A natural skeptic, he rarely accepted information at face value and was known for his inquisitive mind and pursuit of deeper understanding.
David is survived by his wife, brothers Michael E. Brown and Thomas Brown, and sister Connie (Brown) Newport.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.