(The following obituary has been reproduced with permission from the Algeo family and the Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home.)
James Michael (Jim) Algeo passed away peacefully with family by his side at Elm Terrace Gardens in Lansdale on Jan. 20, 2020. He is preceded in death by his beloved bride of 60 years, Mary Margaret (Mickey) Algeo, (nee Filliben).
He is survived by his children Mary Margaret (Maggie) and Michael deMarteleire, James (Jim) M. Algeo, Jr. and Mary Wilson, Mary Beth and Scott Dewey, M. Bridget Algeo, M. Veronica (Ronni) Algeo, Mary Frances and Jon Traywick, Mary Eileen and Justin Besachio, and John Patrick and Christine Algeo. His son, Daniel, passed away in 2014.
He is also survived by 21 grandchilden: Michael de Marteleire, Jr., Jacqueline Stiles (William), Shannon Algeo (Pete DeLago), Sean Algeo, Anna Algeo, Sarah Algeo, Maeve Dewey, Moira Dewey, Rebecca Algeo, Dillon Algeo, Brayden Algeo, Scarlett Algeo, Mariah Dempsey (Thomas), Jonathan Traywick, Rio Besachio, Ryan Besachio, Colleen Besachio, Joseph Algeo, Monica Algeo, Clare Algeo, and Mary Algeo; and two great grandchildren, Brynn and Will Stiles.
Jim is predeceased by his parents Daniel and Sarah, and his brother Daniel. He is survived by siblings Sally Filliben, Mary Freburger, Sr. Eileen Algeo, SHCJ, and the Honorable Michael Algeo (retired).
Born Sept. 2, 1936, at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, PA. Jim grew up in Sharon Hill, Pa., where he attended Holy Spirit Elementary School. He graduated from Holy Cross Seminary High School in Notre Dame, Indiana in 1954. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania Military College (PMC) in 1958 and a Master’s degree in Education from Temple University in 1966.
In 1958, Jim began his 54-year business teaching and football career as an Assistant Coach at Cardinal Dougherty High School in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia. Teaching and assistant coaching positions at Sun Valley and Penncrest High Schools in Delaware County followed. In 1968, Jim moved to Lansdale Catholic (LC) High School. Over his 44 years at LC, he led and taught in the Business Department, he directed and counseled in the Guidance Department, and he served as Head Football Coach. In the classroom, he taught advanced placement economics, accounting, personal finance and marketing. In Guidance, he counseled students making college and vocational choices. In football, Jim initiated the Rare Breed tradition and compiled a 294-183-15 record garnering a state championship, numerous district and conference titles, and an undefeated season. Jim also coached multiple All-Star games and received numerous distinctions and awards, including induction into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Coaches Halls of Fame in both Montgomery and Delaware Counties, and the Maxwell Football Club Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite these successes, Jim focused on preparing his students and players for life: “I don’t think you coach to win championships. We constantly preach to the kids that the football field is no more than any other classroom. I think that football is a means to an end, it’s not an end in itself. It’s a great game but that’s all it is; it’s a game.”
A member of St. Stanislaus Church for more than 50 years, Jim was a long-time daily communicant. He also taught in the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP), served as a Eucharistic minister, routinely attended adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and shared a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother with his wife, Mickey.
Jim delighted in his role as “Pop-Pop,” calling himself a big kid to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He savored his family’s accomplishments – celebrating birthdays, holidays, sporting events, academic achievements, and career successes. He loved all things Irish and the Jersey shore. And he loved the University of Notre Dame and its football tradition.
Jim’s viewings will be Friday evening, Jan. 24, 2020, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, and again from Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the St. Stanislaus Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lansdale Catholic High School Athletic Department.
Arrangements by Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, Lansdale, Pa.
See also:
Legendary Lansdale Catholic Football Coach Jim Algeo Sr. Dies At 83
Hugh Cullen, Former Lansdale Mayor, Dies at 79
Dick Bitner, Former Lansdale Mayor, Dies at 85
George K. Seelig, 79, of Lansdale's Cardinal Camera
Taylor Goettner, Newlywed Cancer Patient, Dies at 26
