Richard Marshall Rosan, 84, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born on January 15, 1942, in Bronxville, New York, to Richard and Helen Rosan. The eldest of three children, he grew up in Riverside, Connecticut, where, from an early age, he revealed the twin themes that would animate his whole life: a love of beauty, in all its forms, and a love of design. As a child, he was musically gifted, singing and playing the piano and organ. In 1959, at age 17, Rick took a life-changing trip to Japan, an experience that shaped his profound interest in architecture, cities, design, culture, and travel.

In 1964, Rick graduated with honors from Williams College, where he was instrumental in growing the a cappella group, the Ephlats, while forming friendships that would last a lifetime. He went on to earn a master's degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1967 and pursued postgraduate study at Cambridge University. His architect's eye informed everything he would later do in the cities he helped shape.

Rick launched his career in New York City as an architect and city planner under Mayors Lindsay, Beame, and Koch, rising to Director of Development at the New York City Economic Development Corporation. He also served as President of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). In these roles, he oversaw visionary projects in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, including the redevelopment of Times Square. Imagining and transforming urban spaces was Rick's signature — a talent he would bring to connect government and the private and nonprofit sectors.

Real estate was Rick’s passion. He started a real estate management company, renovating and converting residential properties in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and later Florida, and developed a condominium project from the ground up in Fort Lauderdale.

Rick also was a tireless advocate for education and the arts. He and his first spouse, Nancy Davis Rosan, raised their three children in Brooklyn, where he was one of the visionary leaders who recognized what two good schools could become together - facilitating the merger that established the Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope - and served as its founding chairman. It was the same instinct that drove his urban work: the conviction that the right people, given the right structure, could build something great and enduring.

In 1991, Rick became the CEO of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), moving the family to Washington, D.C. Uniquely qualified for the position, Rick brought his deep knowledge of architecture, urban planning, real estate and community economic development to ULI, elevating the organization’s national and international influence in sustainable urban design and development. He led ULI and the ULI Foundation for nearly 20 years. In recognition of his contributions, he was named a fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

The move to D.C. also brought Rick closer to the family’s historic property on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where he delighted in spending time with his extended family and with dear friends at the pool or on the boat.

In 2011, Rick married Jeremiah (Jere) Lucey in New York City, surrounded by their families and friends. Rick and Jere have spent the last 14 years travelling and entertaining friends and family in Fort Lauderdale, New York City, and Georgetown, Maryland.

Those who knew Rick remember him as charismatic, visionary, energetic, generous, welcoming, and loving. He loved his family dearly. In his spare time, Rick could be found designing or renovating homes, boating, gardening, or planning his next international adventure.

Rick is survived by his husband, Jeremiah Lucey; his three children, Elizabeth and husband Pete Kirkwood, Christina Rosan and husband Karl Munkelwitz, and Peter and wife Meg Rosan; seven grandchildren (Ella, Miles, Owen, Anya, Eli, Liza, and Peter); his former spouse, Nancy Davis Rosan; and his sisters, Nancy Roblin and Wendy Costa.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at noon followed by a reception at Duckhollow, 14001 Augustine Highway, Georgetown, Maryland 21930.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shore Rivers, 114 S Washington Street, Suite 301, Easton, MD 21601 or Flow Water Advocates, 223 Lake Avenue, Suite B, Traverse City, Michigan 49684 (Rick's eldest daughter, Liz, is the founding executive director of this nonprofit dedicated to protecting water in the Great Lakes).

Please contribute your memories and photos to help us celebrate the life of Richard Marshall Rosan: Richard Marshall Rosan Celebration of Life Photo Board

Articles about Richard Marshall Rosan 
NYT’s Article about RMR in 1981 
NYT’s Article about the Berkeley Carroll merger in 1982