BERKELEY — Longtime city councilwoman Linda Maio is grieving the death of her husband.
Rob Browning died last week while on vacation in Baja. He was 78. Berkeleyside reported that he drowned while swimming in rough seas.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rob Browning, a prominent local small business owner and husband of @LindaMaio,” Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arrequin wrote on Twitter. “He will be dearly missed. Our heart goes out to our former colleague Linda and her family during this difficult time.”
Browning also is the owner of Talavera Ceramics & Tile on University Avenue. The shop has remained open in the wake of his death, and an employee there Wednesday said plans for a memorial service are still being worked out.
“Rob was a respected community member … whose business … brought the art and color of Mexico into the homes of Berkeley residents,” Arrequin said in a statement released by the city. “Rob was a dedicated partner to Linda and supported her during her many years of service to the Berkeley community.
Maio retired from the City Council in early December; she served for 27 years. She returned Monday from Mexico, according to city officials.