Obituaries

-- Patricia Sullivan

Germ¿n E. Frami¿¿nArchitect, OAS Manager

Germ¿n E. Frami¿¿n, 82, an architect and development manager at the Organization of American States, died of lung cancer Jan. 3 at his home in McLean.

Mr. Frami¿¿n, an architect and professor in his native Buenos Aires, came to the Washington area in 1958, intending to spend only a year here to experience life in the United States at the suggestion of his new wife. He remained in Northern Virginia the rest of his life, becoming a citizen in 1991.

At the OAS, Mr. Frami¿¿n designed and managed social and technological development projects throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Using his expertise in urban planning and architecture, he developed affordable housing for low-income areas and became a technical adviser on initiatives about education, science and culture. He was known as a passionate defender of just causes who cared deeply for Argentina and Latin America. He retired in 1985.

Mr. Frami¿¿n volunteered his expertise for dozens of interior design, residential renovation and architectural projects for friends and acquaintances. His sense of aesthetics was always evident in his dress, in his home and in his freely given opinions on taste and decorum. He enjoyed collecting art, attending events at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and viewing exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution and other local venues. He also liked travel, entertaining friends and family, and gourmet cooking.

Mr. Frami¿¿n was born in Buenos Aires. He graduated from the University of Buenos Aires and received a master's degree in architecture and urban planning there in 1948. He became a full professor of architectural design at the school and ran a private practice.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Susana Frami¿¿n of McLean; three children, Pablo Frami¿¿n of Fredericksburg, Javier Frami¿¿n of Arlington and Maria Smith of Nashville; a sister; and six grandchildren.

-- Patricia Sullivan