Benjamin B. Evans, 75, station master

Benjamin B. Evans Jr., 75, of Springfield, station master at Amtrak's 30th Street Station for 15 years, died Friday, Nov. 1, of leukemia at his home.

Mr. Evans worked for Amtrak for 35 years, first as a customer service and training manager at stations regionwide, then as station master, a post he held from 1978 to 1993, when he retired.

According to his daughter, Kathleen Kelly, Mr. Evans hosted many politicians and celebrities as they dashed for the Metroliner, often en route to Washington.

"Vice President Joe Biden and Dad became friends, and since Joe was always running late, my dad would have to hold up the train, and people would be screaming at him, and Joe would always say, 'Thanks, Mr. Amtrak,' " Kelly recalled.

"It would become a running joke between the two, and when Joe Biden was campaigning, my dad suggested that he ride on the back of the train, like the good old days. When Barack Obama and he won, that is exactly what they did. My dad implemented that whole idea."

Born in West Philadelphia, Mr. Evans was a 1956 graduate of St. Thomas More High School. The next day he took the train to Fort Lee, N.J., to enlist in the Army. He served for three years and won many awards for his athleticism, his daughter said.

"He saved enough money to come home and wanted to buy himself a car. But when he saw the conditions his family was living in, he decided to buy his parents, brother, sister, and nephew a new home in Folcroft," she said.

"My dad cared about everyone, and family and friends were what he dedicated his life to. It was never about himself and what he wanted."

Mr. Evans put himself through night school at St. Joseph's University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business. While raising five children, including twin girls, he worked at Amtrak weekdays, came home, ate dinner, and went to his second job as a bartender. He needed the extra money so his children could attend Catholic school.

"That was important to him," his daughter said. "We didn't have nice cars or a big house, but we were happy. He was the best father in the world - and friend."

Mr. Evans was active with the Knights of Columbus, St. Thomas More Alumni Association, Joseph E. Montgomery Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 65, the St. Patrick's Day Parades in Philadelphia and Springfield (Delaware County), and the American Legion Post 667 (Manoa).

Surviving, besides his daughter, are his wife, the former Susanne Malloy; sons Benjamin B. and Paul; daughters Karen Beck and Kristen Harkins; seven grandchildren; and a brother. A sister died earlier.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, and from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the Ruffenach Funeral Home, 4900 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill. Interment is in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to St. Thomas More Alumni Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 294, Drexel Hill, Pa 19026.