William D. Fox, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2021 at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Philadelphia on June 28, 1951. Bill was the beloved husband of 46 years to Maryellen (nee McNicholas) Fox and devoted father of Brendan (Nicole), Brian (Caitlin), Bridget (Brian) Gossner, and Maura (Christopher) Crisanti. Loving son of the late William Sr. and Madeleine (nee Keaton).
Cherished grandfather to Will, Emily, Sofia, Marin, Shane, Nora, Maddy, and Liam. Dear brother of John (Patricia), Michael (Joy), Joseph (Susan), and Madeleine (Christopher) Farrell, brother-in-law to Marion (Larry) Scott, the late Edward (Denise) McNicholas, Kevin (the late Maureen) McNicholas, and Megan (Dennis) Kennedy, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Bill was a longtime resident of the Somerton Section of Philadelphia. He graduated from LaSalle High School in 1969 and in 1973 earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from LaSalle University while playing on the varsity basketball team for all 4 years. In his senior season, Bill was named co-captain of the varsity basketball team and received the Big 5 Unsung Hero Award, Desire and Dedication Award.
Bill began his career as a Graduate Assistant at American University from 1973 to 1974. He worked for over 20 years in the Department of Recreation for the City of Philadelphia. As a faculty member and Head Basketball Coach at Father Judge High School for 29 years, Bill impacted the lives of countless players, coaches, and students. During his tenure, he won 3 Catholic League Championships and had 26 playoff appearances. Some of his fondest memories included coaching both of his sons throughout their high school careers. In 2007, Bill was inducted into both the CYO Hall of Fame and the Father Judge High School Hall of Fame.
He furthered his career as Assistant Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia from 2000 to 2005 and Director of Real Estate for the School District of Philadelphia from 2005 to 2018. He formed many close relationships throughout his career at both positions. He continued his love of teaching the game of basketball through his participation with the Healthy Hoops Program.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife, visiting 43 of the 50 states, and spending his summers down the shore in Sea Isle City. Bill always made sure that his main priority was his family, attending all the sporting events, musicals, dance recitals, and graduations of all his children and grandchildren. He will be truly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Friday evening from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Bill Fox Gymnasium at Father Judge High School, 3301 Solly Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136 and Saturday morning 9:00 to 10:30 A.M. at St. Christopher Roman Catholic Church, 13301 Proctor Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116 with the funeral mass to follow at 10:30 A.M. (The family requests anyone attending who is not vaccinated to please wear a mask.) Interment will be at William Penn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Coach Bill Fox may be made to the Friends of Father Judge at www.friendsoffatherjudge.com/donate.
To record a brief video or voice only tribute, condolence or cherished memory to be shared privately with the family, please click this link: Send Hugs for William D. Fox, Jr.
