David M. Robb Jr. ’59

Dave, mid-member of a three-generation Princeton family (father David Sr. *41, and son Matthew ’94), died March 5, 2021, in Huntsville, Ala., due to complications of COVID-19.

He prepared at Philadelphia’s Episcopal Academy to major in art history at Princeton, manage cross-country, find adventure with the Outing Club, and help keep WPRB on the air. He ate at Key and Seal and served on its bicker committee. Navy OCS and three years of sea duty followed graduation. 

Upon release from active duty, an interest in museum curating was stimulated by an internship at the National Gallery and work as curator for Paul Mellon’s private collection. Then followed marriage to Frances Osborn and studies at Yale, where the couple both received master’s degrees in art history. 

Forgoing New Haven for Minneapolis, Dave received a Ford Foundation Fellowship to the Walker Art Center. In 1969 he was appointed founding curator at the new Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth, becoming acting director in 1979 and acquiring works by Cezanne, Rembrandt van Rijn, and others. Then came directorship of Savannah’s Telfair Academy in 1983 before he moved on as director of the Huntsville Museum of Art from 1985 to 1995. Serving in the Naval Reserve until 1984, Dave retired as a full commander.

Predeceased by his parents and an older sister, Dave is survived by his wife, Frances; sons Andrew and Matthew ’94; and sister Sara. We have sent condolences.