A loving memory of Bill Myrtetus

To the Times: I am writing today to let the paper and your readers know that last week Haverford Township and Delaware County lost a longtime civic leader with the passing away of William K. (Bill) Myrtetus, age 84. He was a man who gave more than he got – and countless friends, family, colleagues and communities where he lived benefited from his lifelong generosity and kindness.

Serving his community energized Bill. He led the Haverford Township Democratic Committee for years; was on the Zoning Board; he served 28 years as a member of the state Democratic Committee, and for eight of those years he was a member of the national Democratic Committee.

Bill loved basketball – he would gladly tell you that this was his first real passion. Growing up at 44th and Larchwood in West Philadelphia, Bill attended St. Francis De Sales Catholic school, the oldest of four children (and himself an Irish triplet). Upon graduation, he was arguably the best eighth grade basketball player in Philadelphia. He received a full scholarship to LaSalle College High School, and following high school, for decades he was a constant presence on basketball courts throughout the city as a referee – secondary, college (Big 5), and professional levels - refereeing at Philadelphia Warriors games during the Wilt Chamberlain era.

Bill moved his family to Sacred Heart Parish in Havertown in 1961, and Bill enthusiastically supported his daughters’ school and sports endeavors, as well as immersing himself into the community. He served as head usher at Sacred Heart for years; he was one of the founders of the Manoa Library, and in between, you could also find him volunteering his time as an umpire for township little league games (remember Williamson Tract?).

Bill also loved running. Up until very recently, Bill followed a rigorous, 5-day-aweek workout program, always with one or several running partners – you might have seen him at the YMCA, or the Haverford College Trail. When he moved to the Quadrangle in 2017, he embraced the running and walking opportunities there as well.

Finally, Bill adored his family, his children and his eight grandchildren. He never missed a sports event, an award ceremony, he reveled in their participation and dedication (successes too) and embraced learning everything about each sport or activity in which his grandchildren participated.

To the very end, when asked “how are you?” Bill’s response was, “Never had a bad day in my life.” Words to live by. He will be greatly missed.

I hope the readers of the Delco Times will take a moment to say goodbye to Bill Myrtetus, one of a kind.