Ernest Joseph Beck

Ernest Joseph Beck, age 93, of West Chester, PA, passed away on December 12, 2024

Born in 1931 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Ernest A. and Dorothy J. (nee Rucker) Beck. Ernie was the beloved husband of Betty Beck (nee Lyle). They married in 1960 and were together for 64 years. He was the loving father of Ernest M. Beck and John A. Beck, wife Barbara nee Lipton; caring grandfather of Jessica L. Beck and Jonathan T. Beck, wife Adrienne nee Cleverley; dear brother of Jim Beck, wife Beth; predeceased by his siblings, Sr. Dorothy Beck ACJ, Miriam Zimmer, and John Beck; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ernie was a graduate of West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Penn, where he was a member of the basketball team from 1950-1953 and First-Team All-American in 1953. Ernie then received his Master’s degree from St. Joseph’s University. He served honorably in the US Navy.

Ernie was a former NBA Player for various teams: Philadelphia Warriors (1953-1954, 1955-1960), St. Louis Hawks (1960-1961), and Syracuse Nationals (1960-1961). He won an NBA Championship with 1955-56 Philadelphia Warriors. He was a member of Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, honored as Philadelphia's Living Sports Legend by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.

Ernie was a History Teacher at Edward W. Bok Technical High School (1963-1993), where he also served as the Basketball and Tennis Coach. He worked for Aqua, PA for 30 years before retirement. Ernie was a member of S.S. Simon and Jude Church, a former member of Sacred Heart Parish and a member of Philadelphia Catholic War Vets.

He loved attending family gatherings and sharing his old basketball playing career stories. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, spending summers in Sea Isle, NJ and winters in Sarasota, FL. He loved to cheer on his local teams, the Phillies, 76ers, Eagles and especially loved to attend his alma mater UPenn basketball games. He loved to listen to Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Perry Como and Tony Bennett and watch old movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood. He will be missed dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:30-11:30 AM Thursday, December 19, 2024 at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the St. Raphaela Center at 616 Coopertown Road, Haverford, PA 19041, would be appreciated.