William A. "Bill" Lavery, 86, of Souderton, PA and formerly of Hatboro, PA passed peacefully on November 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 30, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Hugh and Regina E. (nee Erhardt) Lavery. He was preceded in death by his brother Hugh Lavery in, sister Regina Dougherty, brother-in-law Jack Murphy and sister-in-law Maryellen Murphy, and son-in-law Christopher M. Purnell.

Bill was a graduate of North Catholic High School, Class of 1954. He earned a Bachelors Degree from LaSalle College, Class of 1959. He played basketball at both the high school and collegiate level. After college, Bill served our country for 6 years in the Army Reserves.

His true love of basketball was playing in the Summer Leagues of Philadelphia and Independent ball where he excelled and earned his nickname, "Jingo." He continued to love basketball after playing at the college level. He refereed for the Catholic High School League, High School Public League (PIAA), and the Collegiate Basketball Officials' Association (CBOA).

Bill was an avid and competitive sports fan! He loved every Philadelphia sports team and youth sports. This commitment included volunteering, coaching, fundraising, and umpiring in the Hatboro/Horsham community in the 70's. When his children grew and had children of their own, Bill so enjoyed going to his grandchildren's sporting events and activities. He was their greatest fan!

Bill's greatest attribute was his faith and love of family. He always lived up to his motto, "Do the right thing!" Bill and Pat trusted in the work of our Lord and seeded in their children the belief and guidance of faith. He adored his wife of 61 years, Patricia (nee Murphy), and they shared a love for each other and their five beautiful children. In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his children Denise (Michael) Buck of Churchville, PA; Bill (Kellie) Lavery of Hatboro, PA; Michael (Deirdre) Lavery of Burke, VA; Michele Purnell, of Ambler, PA; and Eileen Goddess of Perkasie, PA. Loving grandchildren Jack Lavery, Allison (Carter) Knight, Joshua (Nyssa) Buck, Emily and Christopher J. "CJ" Purnell, Jack, Matthew and Grace Goddess and Owen Lavery. Bill is also survived by his two great-grandsons, Cooper and Maverick Buck. He is also survived by sister Rosemary (Lou) Hoelzle of Linfield, PA, brother-in-law Charles Dougherty of Brigantine, NJ his, sister-in-law Carol Lavery of Oreland, PA, and David (Carole) Murphy of Warrington, PA.

Bill had an exceptional work ethic. He retired from Kulicke & Soffa in Horsham as a procurement specialist after 25 years. Bill never stopped working. He and Pat found enjoyment catering and bartending for private parties. Bill and Pat, and their family were members of St. Joseph's Church in Warrington, PA, for many years. A highlight for Bill during the Christmas season was participating in the Calvary Chapel Adopt a Family program. The experience of giving was humbling and gave him a sense of joy and purpose.

Bill's impact on so many is profound. We have truly lost a good one!

Relatives and friends are invited for Visitation after 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at the Anton B. Urban Funeral Home 1111 S Bethlehem Pike, Ambler PA, and on Friday, December 2nd after 9:30 AM at Maria Goretti Church, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield, PA. Words of Remembrance will begin at 10:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass celebrated by Pastor Rev. John C. Nguyen. The interment will be private.

The Lavery family appreciates donations in Bill's memory to the following:

Wounded Warrior Project

Click here for mail in Donation form.

or

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Click here for St.Jude's mail Donation form. 

Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com