Richard J. Brower, 83, of Holland Township, NJ, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Phillipsburg Care Center in Phillipsburg, NJ.

Born on January 1, 1942, in Newark, NJ, Richard was a lifelong resident of New Jersey. He earned his PhD in Psychology from Rutgers University and worked in social services prior to devoting his career to education. For 19 years, he served as a professor of psychology at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, where he was especially passionate about teaching and researching the psychology of creativity.

Richard’s love of creativity extended beyond his professional work. He was a gifted painter and an avid reader and writer, finding joy in exploring new ideas and artistic expression. He enjoyed biking, browsing flea markets, listening to music and spending quiet evenings watching movies with his beloved partner, Jan.

Richard will be remembered for his sharp intellect, love of art, and the warmth and humor he shared with those closest to him.

Son of the late Clarence and Mary (Mikulak) Brower, Richard is survived by his long-time companion Jan Stahl, his nieces Maryann Wasik, Barbara Wasik and her husband James Byrnes, and Christine Wasik and her husband Howard Kibrick, his grand nieces and nephew Julia Byrnes, Thomas Byrnes and Olivia Kibrick, his ex-wife and friend Nancy Good, and his beloved dog Annie, a Pomeranian-Poodle Mix.  He was predeceased by his sister Ruth Wasik.    

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 12-1 PM at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Holland Township, NJ.  A Catholic Prayer Service will follow at 1:30 PM, with Father Bede Kim officiating.  Interment will follow at the Milford Union Cemetery in Milford, NJ