Specialties
Being a family owned and operated business allows us to operate in a service oriented mode, rather than in a corporate culture.
Today, as in the past, we at Brown-Forward view ourselves as a community oriented funeral home, serving all faiths, races, and religions, with caring funeral, memorial and cremation services. Our affiliations have been numerous, including, but not limited to Rotary, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Shrine and Zonta.We view ourselves as part of the entire community, which we have been actively involved with for so many years.
History
Established in 1825.
At Brown-Forward Funeral Service, we have served Cleveland, OH and surrounding communities since the early 1800's. We are recognized as the oldest continuing funeral home in the state.
Almost two centuries ago the funeral home started as D.W. Duty, Cabinet Makers, was succeeded as J.H. Brown, then J. H. Brown-Son, & Forward, and, currently is known as Brown-Forward, Inc.
Throughout the years, Brown-Forward, Inc. has remained a stable icon of caring and compassion for those in need. In our 183+ years of recorded service, we have had five locations and only four different owners. Located in beautiful downtown Shaker Heights, our tastefully appointed facility is conveniently located minutes from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and every major hospital in the Greater Cleveland area.
In 1951 the business was acquired by G. Budd and Maxine Forward, and is still operated as a family owned operation. Their son Robert L. Forward, serves as President, and grandson, Bradley, as VP.
Meet the Business Owner: Robert F.
Robert Forward has been a part of the working staff at Brown-Forward since he was 14 years old. He graduated from Norwich University and The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Robb served in the US Army Infantry in Vietnam, was formerly a Lay reader and choir member at Christ Episcopal Church, and currently a member of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, UCC, where he has been active in the youth groups and the Stephen Minister program. Robb is currently a Commissioned Minister for the UCCserving in the area of Correctional Facilities. He wasPast President of the Shaker Schools Foundation. Hewas also a formerOhio State High School and NCAA baseball and softball official.