Simcox McIlvaine Funeral Home

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July

07/02/2022

Were you aware that the US Government is refunding people up to $9,000 for funeral expenses related to a loved one’s death due to Covid after January 20, 2020? We encourage you to check FEMA’s official website for details.

https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

f you are covering the cost of a COVID-19 funeral, FEMA may be able to help.

04/20/2020

Obituary
Msgr. Joseph W. Murray
March 8, 1933 - April 18, 2020

Msgr. Joseph W. Murray
Born March 8, 1933
Ordained May 13, 1961
Entered into Eternal Life April 18, 2020
Pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish June 1989 – June 2008

Rev. Msgr. Joseph W. Murray, Pastor Emeritus St. Stanislaus Parish in Lansdale, Pa died on Saturday, April 18, 2020.

Msgr. Murray was born on March 8, 1933 in Philadelphia, Pa. He is the son of the late Ignatius L and Mary (Guiniven) Murray. Msgr. Murray was predeceased by his siblings, Mary Ann Murray, Elizabeth Kelly, and his nephew Johnny P. Murray. He is survived by his brothers Reverend Msgr. Ignatius L. Murray, Dr. John P. Murray (Joan M. Walsh), Reverend Msgr. Thomas A. Murray. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Msgr. Murray attended Holy Cross school in Mt. Airy and graduated LaSalle College High School in 1951 and entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1961 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul by John Cardinal Krol.

His first assignment was as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Philadelphia. He began ministering in the Archdiocesan High Schools in 1963 first on the Faculty at Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown. Then as Principal from 1974 to 1985. First at St. Pius X High School, Pottstown then at Bishop Kenrick High School and finally at Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote. In 1985 he became Pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Philadelphia and then from 1989 to 2008 was Pastor of St. Stanislaus in Lansdale. In June 2018, Msgr. Murray was named Pastor Emeritus for St. Stanislaus Parish. After retirement, he moved to Mother of Divine Providence Parish in King of Prussia where he continued to minister to the parishioners of that parish before entering Regina Nursing Facility in 2018. During his ministry at the high schools, he resided and assisted at St. Titus Parish, East Norriton, St. Helena’s in Center Square, St. Gabriel’s Hall, Phoenixville, and St. John Neumann in Bryn Mawr. Every place he touched he called home!

He received a Master’s Degree from LaSalle University in 1974. He was named a Monsignor in 1991 by the Holy Father. He received various honors for all his years of service to Catholic Education and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He sat on many committees and rendered service throughout the diocese on many levels.

Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions, Msgr. Murray’s Funeral and Burial will be private. We will all gather to celebrate his life together at a Memorial Mass when circumstances permit.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in his memory might be made to the Catholic School of your choice or the Hemophilia Foundation 1489 Baltimore Pike Suite 227 Springfield, PA 19064.

Please read the following heartfelt message from St. Stanislaus’ Parochial Administrator Rev. Sean English.

Dear Parish Family of St. Stanislaus,

Our beloved Pastor Emeritus, Msgr. Joseph Murray, passed away today, April 18, 2020, at the age of 87. It is never easy to hear the news of the passing of a loved one. I hope you find some consolation remembering the many ways he loved you, the parishioners of St. Stanislaus.

In my short time at St. Stan’s, many parishioners have shared their affection for Msgr. Murray. Consistently he is remembered as a gentleman, a people’s priest, and a true shepherd. Without a doubt, he loved you all as family. Upon his retirement, he was quoted, “(As a priest,) you’re married to the church and you really do feel that you’re a member of so many families. That, in turn, makes you realize how blessed you are in this life.”

We are still awaiting details about funeral arrangements, however we do expect them to be private considering the current restrictions with COVID-19. We will certainly celebrate Msgr. Murray with a memorial Mass in the future as soon as we are able to gather as a community. He will be remembered at our private Masses this weekend. Please keep his brothers and sister-in-law, his extended family, and each other in prayer during this time.

In Christ,
Fr. Sean

P.S. Condolences and Mass Cards can be sent to his brother:

Rev. Msgr. Thomas A. Murray
Saint Eleanor Rectory
647 Locust Street
Collegeville, PA 19426-2541

Because the pandemic is making it difficult for grieving families to connect with supportive friends and family, Simcox-McIlvaine is inviting submissions of video condolences. Please send the short videos (less than two minutes) or an the url from youtube or vimeo to creation@dca.net with subject line reading Msgr. Murray

07/26/2019

J. Boyd McIlvaine, Sr., age 79, of Lansdale died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. He had been in failing health. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife Kathleen Flanagan McIlvaine on January 29, 2007. Born and raised in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Charles J. and Mae (nee. Boyd) McIlvaine. As a young boy he displayed an affinity for any and all sports which would serve him well as he entered his beloved LaSalle College High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, but focused most of his efforts on rowing. As the son of Olympic Gold Medalist rower "Charley" McIlvaine he put his considerable energy into becoming the best oarsman possible. His hard work paid off when as a freshman on the crew team, he won the position of "Stroke" for the varsity eight. He remained in that seat for the next four years winning countless gold medals in the biggest races, including The City Championship, Catholic League Championship and Nationals. After high school he attended LaSalle University where he studied Business. He served his country honorably with the United States Army. He later attended Eckels College of Mortuary Science and went on to become a third generation McIlvaine Funeral Director. Boyd Sr. ran the business, which was started in 1887 and continues to this day, with his brother John McIlvaine. In 1976 the two brothers purchased the Simcox Funeral Home (now Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home) in Lansdale where Boyd chose to settle with his young family. His vocation in life was to faithfully serve the grieving people of Lansdale and the surrounding area which he did tirelessly until just 8 months ago. Having been a Funeral Director for over 62 years he lovingly handled the funerals of over 6,000 souls. Although he was continually available to the families he served, Boyd was often very fortunate to spend time "down the shore" at his home in Longport. He loved everything about Longport including boating and fishing but his greatest affection was for his close neighbors and many friends. Boyd had boundless energy and wouldn't think twice about rising early in the morning to drive from Longport to Lansdale to meet with a family to plan a funeral. He would do everything he could for the families that called on him, making all the preparations before turning around to drive back to Longport in time for dinner only to fall asleep in his chair. Sometimes his trips to Longport only lasted a few hours before he was needed back in Lansdale, but that was always OK with him; working hard and serving others came first to Boyd. Boyd was a devout Catholic, something he and his wife Kathy shared from the time they were married. Because of his strong faith he never worried about his health challenges in his last few months and always remained true to a LaSallian philosophy rooted in service and love. He was fully prepared to meet his God. Surviving family members include his four loving children, Kathleen Flood (Andrew), Carolyn Gregor (Richard), Sharon Tomchewsky (Michael) and Boyd McIlvaine, Jr. (Megan), his grandchildren Mia, MaryKate, Teddy, Maggie, Jackson and Harry, his sister Nancy McNeil (John), his sister in law Joan McIlvaine and his brother in law Danny Smith as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his sister Elaine Smith, brothers Charles and John McIlvaine and sister in law Mary Ellen McIlvaine. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 11 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave, Lansdale, where the family will receive friends from 9 to 10:45 in Church prior to Mass. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Boyd's name to La Salle Academy Catholic Grade School (a Christian Brothers/Sisters of Saint Joseph grade school for economically challenged at risk youths seeking a Catholic education), C/O Sr. Jeanne McGowan, SSJ, 1434 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19122 or online at http://www.lasalleacademy.net/support-lsa/many-ways-to-help or to Meals on Wheels, 259 N 2nd St, Souderton, PA 18964 or online at http://generationsofiv.org/donate-online.

07/25/2019

With a very heavy heart we are sad to say J. Boyd McIlviaine Sr. was called by God to be with him on Wednesday the 24th. He was the backbone and spirit of Simcox McIlviane Funeral Home and a loss to the community he was dedicated to serving. It’s time for us to take care of a man who lovingly buried over 6,000 souls in his lifetime.

Arrangements are as follows…
On Tuesday the 30th there will be a viewing and a Mass of Christian burial at St Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, Lansdale PA. The viewing will be from 9am-11am with a Mass immediately following.

Boyd’s obituary is posted on our website

http://www.simcoxmcilvainefuneralhome.com/2019/07/26/1989/

The obituary has a separate post below if you would like to share it.

06/18/2019

When planning a funeral, family and friends have questions which is perfectly understandable.

We’re often asked:

Is it ok to……

What do people usually do?

Do I have to have a traditional funeral?

The answer is, you can do whatever you feel is best.

There is no normal in the funeral business anymore. It’s really whatever you and your family/friends feel would be right for your loved one. There are many different options and ways you can honor them and we can help you get to whatever is right for you. Feel free to ask.

06/15/2019

Did you know the Egyptians were the first embalmers? Even today they are considered the best at it. Embalming is estimated to have started in 2600 BC. They used natron, a natural mineral which is like a combination of baking soda and salt.

06/14/2019

Happy birthday to the U.S. Army.
Congress adopted "the American continental army" after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.

Thank you for all that you're done for the world.

06/14/2019

In honor of Flag Day we thought it would be nice to explain flag etiquette. Simcox McIlvaine will take any U.S. flag you would like to discard and properly despence of it free of charge.

This post is long but informative.

When displaying the flag, DO the following:

- Display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. When a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

- When placed on a single staff or lanyard, place the U.S. Flag above all other flags.

- When flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. State and local flags are traditionally flown lower.

- When used during a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. Flag will be to the observer’s left.

- On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.

- When flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By "half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

- When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

- When placed on a podium the flag should be placed on the speaker’s right or the staging area. Other flags should be placed to the left.

- When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall (or other flat surface), the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.

- When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way -- with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

- When the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

-When the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

When stowing or disposing of the flag, DO the following:
-Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded up.

-The VFW offers the following instructions for properly disposing of a worn flag:

- The flag should be folded in its customary manner.

- It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.

- Place the flag on the fire.

- The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.

- After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.

- Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances

Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don’ts:
- Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
- Don’t let the flag touch the ground.
- Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
- Don’t carry the flag flat or carry things in it.
- Don’t use the flag as clothing.
- Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.
- Don’t use it as a cover.
- Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free.
- Don’t draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.
- Don’t use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red.

06/13/2019

Welcome to the official Simcox McIlvaine Funeral Home page. Our main goal is to be informative and helpful to the community. We’ll be posting anything from obituaries to community events and we can answer the most commonly asked questions about funerals. If you have a question, please email or post it and we’ll make sure to answer it. If you need immediate service because you’ve lost a loved one, we can be reached 24 hours a day at (215) 855-3434. If you’d like to preplan a funeral, we can help you throughout that process as well.
We pride ourselves in being trustworthy as we’ve maintained that reputation for over 135 years. We look forward to carrying on that trust in helping you and your family in any way that we can be of service.