Edward Rotan Sargent. December 2 at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley Hall in Germantown, from complications of dementia, 82 years old.
He was a non-conforming member of a then-prominent Philadelphia family, whose fortunes (like those of many) rose and fell with investments tied to the Pennsylvania Railroad. Following his graduation from Chestnut Hill Academy, Edward Sargent studied at the Tyler School of Art. On turning 18, he declared as a conscientious objector and later became a member of the Religious Society of Friends. He held positions at Friends Journal and at Friends World Committee for Consultation. Following his retirement, he rediscovered the pleasures of making art; exhibitions of his paintings and collages were held at the Mount Airy Art Garage and at the Center on the Hill at The First Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill.
He is survived by his son Samuel Stewart Sargent, his grandson Alexander Wheeler Hale and by his divorced wife, Patricia Kaye Stewart. He was predeceased by his divorced first wife, Dr. Jane Cummin Sargent, and, tragically, by his daughters, Alexandra Trumbull Sargent-Colburn and Caroline Augusta Sargent.
A memorial meeting under the care of Chestnut Hill Meeting will be held at Stapeley Hall on February 9 at 1:30.
Given Edward Sargent’s passionate love for the roads “less traveled by” of classical music, in lieu of flowers, the family welcome contributions to the Fleisher Collection of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
