Joseph Van Blunk, dockworker, Mummer, dies at 82

JOSEPH VAN BLUNK wasn't afraid of hard work. His 40 years as a longshoreman proved that, working long hours in the days before container ships and automation when brute force was needed to wrestle the cargo on the docks.

"It was back-breaking work with very unconventional hours," his family said. "But the union pay was good and he made a decent living on the river."

Joe Van Blunk, a son of South Philadelphia's famous Two Street, a Mummer and Army veteran, died Saturday. He was 82 and lived in South Philadelphia.

Joe was called "Babe" by family and friends, and "Peepers" on the docks, probably because he wore glasses. When the young fellows came along, they were more deferential. They called him "Mr. Peepers."

He was born in South Philadelphia to William Van Blunk and the former Mary Barnett, He attended Vare Elementary School, the then-Furness Middle School and Bok Vocational High School.

Joe was a fine sandlot athlete who played with the Cherokee Indians in the old Pop Warner League. He also played football in the Army.

He entered the Army in 1945 and was shipped to Italy. He got to travel through Europe and saw the devastation the war had wrought. He attained the rank of sergeant.

"He embraced the food, drink and culture of Europe, even at its war-torn worst," his family said.

As a Mummer, Joe began marching up Broad Street on New Year's Day as a child with the Fralinger String Band. He performed with a number of Mummers groups with his father, who sewed wench costumes in their basement. Mostly, Joe marched with the Murray Comic Club.

After the Army, Joe worked various jobs, at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., the PTC, and he drove for Yellow Cab before settling in on the docks as a member of International Longshoremen's Association Local 1291.

He married the former Marie Whalin in 1950. They renewed their wedding vows in February.

Joe was a mixture of Dutch on his father's side and Irish on his mother's side. He was proud that the Van Blunks could trace the family history in this country back to 1775.

He was a guy who seemed to have saved everything, from his learner's permit and driver's license, old Bibles, even to receipts from tips he received as a Yellow Cab driver.

"The welfare of his family was at the core of his every motivation," his family said. "Through his hard work he gave them the best years of their lives - a good stable home life, vacations in Wildwood every summer, and a complete Catholic school education.

"He gave an unwavering personal example of what it is to be a decent human being. His smile and famous laugh will be missed by many."

He also is survived by two sons, Joseph and Robert; a daughter, Lynn Ruffenach; three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by another daughter, Junie.

Services: Funeral Mass 10 a.m. tomorrow at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 3rd and Wolf streets. Friends may call at 7:30 a.m. at Murphy-Ruffenach Funeral Home, 3rd and Wolf streets. Burial will be in Old Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 225 City Ave., Suite 104, Bala Cyn-wyd, PA 19004, or to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2319 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia 19148. *