H. David Homan

H. David Homan died June 22 at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 77.

Though no autopsy was performed, Fred Rabel, Homan’s close friend and executor said doctors suspected he died of heart failure.

Homan suffered from muscular dystrophy his entire life, Rabel said.

“A few months ago he fell and was wheelchair bound. He lost his partner just a few years ago and I think he was just exhausted,” Rabel said.

Homan was born August 23, 1930 in Long Island, N.Y.

His father, the late Harry E. Homan (a renowned syndicated political cartoonist in the 1920s), introduced him to the art world, Rabel said.

Homan graduated from the University of the Arts in 1958 and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1959.

He later moved on to study printmaking in the late ’80s and early ’90s at the Fleisher Art Memorial in South Philadelphia.

The artist also met his life partner in Philadelphia, physician Robert R. Rosenbaum.

Homan and Rosenbaum became involved in philanthropy, donating to arts and gay-related organizations in and around the city.

Rabel said the couple was particularly generous to the Fleisher Art Memorial and the William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center.

In 1994, they moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., where Homan’s brother lived.

Rosenbaum died in 2004.

Homan recently funded an oral history project at the William Way Community Center in honor of his late partner.

The project, expected to be completed within a year and a half, will collect and catalogue oral histories of the local GLBT community.

Rabel said Homan was a quiet, unassuming person who was interested in gardening, film and honing his craft as an artist.

“He had infinite patience,” Rabel said. “He paid great attention to detail.”

A selection of the late artist’s paintings is currently on view at the William Way Community Center.

At Homan’s request, a memorial service was not held.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or to the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.