Walter E. Funk, 92, educator
Walter Emery Funk, 92, of Honey Brook, an educator, coach, and mentor for students in Chester County, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, of dementia at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.
Walter Emery Funk, 92, of Honey Brook, an educator, coach, and mentor for students in Chester County, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, of dementia at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.
Mr. Funk began his career as a basketball coach, teacher, and principal at Scott Senior High School in Coatesville.
But the bulk of his professional life was spent at West Chester University as the men's basketball coach and chairman of the health department.
He is credited with establishing the nursing and environmental health programs as well as providing expertise and guidance to hundreds of students.
"We've had so many of his students and players say he redirected and guided them on their path through life," said his wife, Julie Grimes Funk. "He had influence at a time early in people's lives that helped create the course of their future."
Born in Phoenixville, he graduated from Phoenixville High School and served in World War II as a member of the Army.
After the war, he graduated from Pennsylvania State University, where he played basketball and served as the president of Sigma Pi. He played briefly with the Lancaster Red Roses, a pro basketball team, and then settled in the Coatesville area. He later moved to Honey Brook.
Mr. Funk earned many awards, including hall of fame recognitions from Scott and West Chester. Typically, though, he avoided the limelight.
"He celebrated his achievements through the successes of the many people who were by his side during his lifetime," his family said in a tribute.
In addition to his wife of 33 years, he is survived by daughters Rebecca Kirschman and Judith Laurento; sons Terry and James; stepchildren Jonathan and Jeff Chase, and Laura Conner; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a niece.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Living God Lutheran Church, 3200 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, Pa. 19344. A visitation begins at 9:30. Inurnment follows in the churchyard.
Donations may be made to the church at the address above.