Co-Founder Of Toll Brothers Development Company Dies At 81

FORT WASHINGTON, PA — A Philadelphia native who was one of the co-founders of the real estate company that bills itself as "American's Luxury Home Builder" has passed away.

Robert Toll, one of two brothers who came together to create the property development company Toll Brothers, died from complications of Parkinson's Disease, according to his obituary.

Toll, who had lived in Solebury, Bucks County, but who was raised in neighboring Montgomery County, was 81 years old.

In 1967, Robert Toll and his brother, Bruce Toll, formed the company that has since become synonymous with luxury home construction.

The business, which started in Philadelphia, is currently headquartered in Fort Washington, Pa.

The developer has now built homes in half of the states across the country, according to the obituary.

Robert Toll served as CEO of the company from its founding until he stepped down from the position back in 2010.

Despite vacating his CEO post, Robert Toll still remained active with the business throughout the years.

"His was an incredible life and legacy," Toll Brothers wrote on its website in announcing the death. "Our hearts go out to his family as we remember Bob as the visionary leader, incomparable teacher, and great friend that he was to so many of us."

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Robert Toll was known for his "savvy investments, canny reading of the market, and what one colleague called his 'searingly charismatic' personality."

The report says Toll Brothers is now recognized as one of the world's most successful builders of luxury single homes, active adult communities, urban high-rises and residential rental properties.

Toll Brothers says it is now a Fortune 500 company that embraces "an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service," and one that has been recognized for its home building achievements throughout the decades.

According to Robert Toll's obituary, his company sold its earliest homes during the business's formative years for around $17,500, a cost which, when adjusted for inflation, would be the equivalent of about $144,000 in 2022 dollars.

Soon, however, the business began focusing on the luxury home market, and eventually started putting up residences in the million-dollar price bracket.

"When you buy a home, you put all the excavators and concrete foundation workers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers, siders, window manufacturers to work," Robert Toll was quoted as saying in a 2010 New York Times interview. "I would guess 20 percent of the work force in one way or another is connected with new housing."

In the recent Inquirer article, former Philadelphia Mayor and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was quoted as saying Robert Toll was extremely persuasive, and was described as "hard-driving, and he knew what he wanted. He wanted to give people the best that he could."

Builder magazine inducted the Toll Brothers into its hall of fame in 2017.

Toll Brothers became a public company on the New York Stock Exchange in the mid-1980s.

Robert Toll was also known for his giving nature; he was recognized as a philanthropist who gave to various charities and organizations, including the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Say Yes to Education Foundation and others.

He also sat on various boards of schools and nonprofits in the region.

Robert Toll was born in Philadelphia but spent his formative years in Elkins Park, Pa. He was a graduate of Germantown Academy in Fort Washington.

Robert Toll obtained a law degree, but he ended up practicing law for only one year before deciding to create Toll Brothers alongside his brother Bruce.

Robert Toll is survived by his wife, four children and 12 grandchildren.

The family is requesting that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research.

Anyone who is interested can make a donation through this website.