Harry J. Booth, III

Harry J. Booth III, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022 in the company of his wife and family, following a brief illness.

Harry was born in South Philadelphia (St. Monica’s Parish) on January 19, 1940 to the late Harry J. Booth Jr. and the late Nora Booth (Connolly). In June of 1963, he married the love of his life, Antoinette “Toni” (Bontempo) and together they raised their four children in West Chester, PA.

Harry was a 1958 graduate of Bishop Neumann High School and a 1962 graduate of St. Joseph’s University, where he was a two-sport captain. In baseball, he led the Hawks in runs, extra-base hits and stolen bases as a junior and senior. In basketball, as a walk-on reserve, he participated in three NCAA tournaments and played in the NCAA Final Four in 1961.

After graduating from St. Joseph’s, Harry began his coaching career at Bishop McDevitt High School. He returned to St. Joseph’s to coach both baseball (1965-1974) and basketball (1974-1978). He was also a volunteer assistant coach at Villanova University, under Rollie Massimino, when the Wildcats won the 1985 NCAA Championship title.

More than all of that, Harry was devoted to his faith, his family and his friends. Harry loved his Catholic faith, praying the rosary and attending daily Mass. His devotion to Toni was incredible and his love for her was unsurpassed. In addition to his wife Toni, his four children and eight grandchildren were his pride and joy. He never missed a birthday party, game, concert, show or activity for his grandchildren. Harry’s impact on the players he coached at every level was immeasurable. He cherished the relationships he had with his many friends, staying connected throughout the years.

Harry was larger than life, someone who had the ability to command the room, and the humility to know when it was his time to listen. He will be greatly missed.

Harry was a devoted father to Susan (Ted), David (Denise), Dennis (Mary) and Kevin (Lisa) and a much beloved Pop-Pop to Caroline (Pete), Michael, Jennifer, Allison, TJ, Kelly, Cassie and Drew, and was so looking forward to becoming a Great Pop-Pop in October. He is also survived by his siblings Martin (Sue), Helene and Chris (Denise).

All are invited to share in the celebration of Harry’s life. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 5-8 pm at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA and from 10:30-11:30 am on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am will follow. Interment will take place immediately following the Mass at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Harry Booth to Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer/Hope Lodge, c/o American Cancer Society, PO Box 30386,  Philadelphia, PA 19103 (www.phillycvc.org).