Louis E. DeVicaris

Louis E. De Vicaris, of Levittown, died on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at St. Mary Medical Center surrounded by his loving family following a lengthy illness. He was 79. Born in Philadelphia, Mr. De Vicaris grew up in South Philly and later moved to Mayfair. He has been a resident of Levittown since 1955. He was a 1947 graduate of Frankford High School and received a football scholarship to Pennsylvania State Teachers College, transferred to the University of Alabama as a scholarship player and then finished at Temple University. He played football both ways and was recruited to the National Football League by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, due to a severe knee injury, a football career was not meant to be. Mr. De Vicaris went on to teach health and physical education at various Philadelphia schools. He was head football coach, dean of boys and vice principal during his 14 years at Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia. In 1971 he was appointed the first principal of Martin Luther King High School where he remained until his retirement in 1993. In 1960 Mr. De Vicaris founded Adventureland Day Camp and Picnics in Bensalem and served as Executive Director until his passing. He was also the founder of the Neshaminy Watershed Association. He was an active member of Queen of the Universe parish where he served as a lector and also coached football and basketball. He was a founding member of the Catholic Lay Council and with this group was active in the Civil Rights Movement, travelling to Washington, D.C. for Dr. Martin Luther Kings historic I had a dream speech. He was the recipient of many humanitarian and professional awards throughout his career. Mr. De Vicaris was the beloved husband of Judith A. (Boyer) De Vicaris for 53 years. He was the loving father of Suzanne De Vicaris of Levittown, Lisa De Vicaris of Bensalem, Jacqueline Sinkler (McKean) of Philadelphia, Christopher De Vicaris of Bensalem and Alexander De Vicaris (Wendy) of Mount Laurel, NJ. He was the devoted Papa Lou of grandchildren Lauren and Andrew. He will be sadly missed by his sister Rachael Klabe of Riverton, NJ , his great friend and sister-in-law Margaret Sgarra of East Falls and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In the spirit of a true educator, Mr. De Vicaris donated his body for study to Jefferson Medical College. Family and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Mass on Saturday, March 6, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Queen of the Universe Church, 2443 Trenton Rd., Levittown, PA. A Celebration of Mr. De Vicaris life will follow at 12:00 noon at Adventureland, 6401 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Scholarship Fund, Simon Gratz High School Alumni Association, INC. (S.G.H.S.A.A., INC) , 1609 East Cardeza Street, Philadelphia, PA., 19150. Checks or money orders will be accepted. Write: For Scholarship Fund, Mr D in the memo section.