SPECIAL FRIEND OF IMMACULATE

At the 2008 Reunion, a new reunion tradition was started, the presentation of the Special Friend of Immaculate award.  This is the highest and most prestigious honor bestowed by the Friends of Immaculate and is awarded to an individual/family who's outstanding generosity of time, treasure and talent has truly had a positive impact, and made a difference to our beloved Immaculate Conception Parish.  This special honor will continue to be awarded at all future Friends of Immaculate reunions.

2010 HONOREE - ??????????

2008 HONOREE - BILL MAGARITY

Bill Magarity, who was  born and raised in Immaculate Conception Parish, never left any doubt  about his special feelings for Immaculate and East Germantown.  He often spoke of his many fond memories of the parish, including viewing firsthand the construction of the Upper Church and the special class and self-confidence that the Vincentian Fathers inspired in the Immaculate altar boys.  A total of 9 of Bill’s children and step-children attended Immaculate.

Bill consistently stepped up to the leadership role, in both playing and coaching Immaculate’s teams, most notably their 1945 championship season.  He graduated from the former St. John the Baptist High School in Manayunk, where he played football, baseball and basketball, and was named to the 1939 All-Catholic Basketball Team.   He graduated from LaSalle College, where he was the quarterback in 1941, when the school discontinued the football program.  When the program was re-established in 1997, 56 years later, he was duly honored by throwing out the first ball.

Bill also coached the LaSalle College High School baseball team in 1944, leading them to an undefeated season and a city championship.  He later coached the Stenton Rams, a semipro team in the Pop Warner football conference, to five city championships from 1943 to 1948.

Bill, deservedly, received many honors in his lifetime, including induction into the Philadelphia Basketball Old Timers Hall of Fame in 1995 and the 21^st Ward (Roxborough) Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.  As a local businessman, he sponsored and supported many Little League and other sports teams. 

Bill led the committee for the 75^th Anniversary of Immaculate Conception and continued to work with a group of former parishioners in their efforts to financially assist the parish well into the 1990s.  His own special contribution to this effort was a 15-seat passenger van that the parish still uses to this day.

Bill’s respect for those in need inspired him to support many charities, including “ Inn Dwelling”, a Germantown organization that provides housing for the needy and scholarships to young people.  Bill established a tournament at Whitemarsh Country Club that benefits Chestnut Hill College.  

Sadly, Bill passed away on September 18, 2006.  He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sons Bill, Greg, Joe, Mark, Mike & John; daughters Lizanne Pando & Maureen; stepdaughters Reen Ginty, Joan Nolen, Nancy Siefert & Patricia Salmon; 28 grandchildren & seven great grandchildren.

With his love of Immaculate Conception, his unwavering generosity and the outspoken leadership that he consistently demonstrated, no one is more deserving to be duly honored as the first-ever recipient of the Special Friend of Immaculate award than Bill Magarity!  Please join us in honoring this wonderful man’s memory!