William P. Koller | Funeral director, 88

William P. Koller, 88, who was known for the kindness and compassion he showed to families who came to his funeral home in Roxborough, died yesterday of complications from Alzheimer's disease at Normandy Farms in Blue Bell, where he had been a resident for about five years.

Mr. Koller, who grew up in Manayunk and graduated from St. Joseph's Prep in 1938, started the Koller Funeral Home with his wife, Peggy, in 1946, after he returned from serving for three years as a pharmacist's mate in the Navy during World War II.

Together, Mr. Koller and his wife, who celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in May, worked tirelessly to serve neighborhood families, building the business into a local landmark. Mr. Koller remained active in the business until he developed Alzheimer's and moved to Blue Bell. His son William P. Jr. and his daughter Betty Koller Flam now run the funeral home.

Mr. Koller was active with Holy Family Roman Catholic Church and later Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Cor Mariae Council 4100.

In addition to his wife, son and daughter, Mr. Koller is survived by sons James, Michael and Stephen; daughters Mary Therese Ferro, Marguerite Koller Stokes, Anne Palopoli, Jeanne Quinn, Helene Harchut and Christine Kohler; 55 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Viewings will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at Koller Funeral Home, 6835 Ridge Ave. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 819 Cathedral Rd. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.

Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 819 Cathedral Rd., Philadelphia 19128.