Obituary for Maurice B. de Angeli
Maurice “Maury” B. de Angeli, 94 of Pennsburg, passed away March 26 peacefully at his home in Pennsburg, surrounded by family and his caregiver Ann Dora Gbormie. He was the husband of the late Marianne de Angeli, who passed away in 2003. Maury and Marianne met at the University of Pennsylvania and were married for 53 years.
Born in Collingswood NJ, Maury was the youngest of five children. His mother was children’s book author Marguerite de Angeli. Maury and Marianne moved to the area in 1957 and bought a house where Maury died after 64 years of residence. Well into his 80’s Maury was a self appointed litter collector along Upper Ridge Road and was given a commendation by the township for his community effort.
Maury first worked at the manufacturing firm of Helix in Red Hill with his brothers Ted and Jack before working at Knoll Inc.’s first shop in East Greenville in 1960. He was there until 1968 before starting his own business, the design and fabrication of harpsichords. By the early 70’s he transitioned to the restoration of vintage cars, his career for the next 30 years. Maury became known among mechanics, enthusiasts and collectors for his almost magical ability to take a broken down vehicles, sometimes having sat in the elements for decades and transforming them into prize winning treasures. His clients included Bernie Berman of Berman Trucking. His specialty was British vintage makes of Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar as well as Austro Daimler, Isotta Fraschini and other pre-World War II classics.
Maury was a gifted raconteur and was the center of any social gathering. He could talk to anyone about anything, and you always had the feeling you had made a friend after speaking to him. His mechanical gifts were demonstrated in his ability to fabricate parts for his projects that would otherwise be unavailable, and he was happy to share his expertise freely.
Maury is survived by his four sons: Michael and partner Trisha of Jamestown RI, Peter and wife Karol of Marlborough MA, Dan and partner Liz of Milton MA, and Jack and wife Yao of White Plains NY. Maury has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. To all his family, friends and innumerable contacts and fans, his passing will be a noted sadly and he will be sorely missed.
Services will be private. The Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg is in charge of arrangements. To offer online condolences, please visit his ‘Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Collingswood NJ, Maury was the youngest of five children. His mother was children’s book author Marguerite de Angeli. Maury and Marianne moved to the area in 1957 and bought a house where Maury died after 64 years of residence. Well into his 80’s Maury was a self appointed litter collector along Upper Ridge Road and was given a commendation by the township for his community effort.
Maury first worked at the manufacturing firm of Helix in Red Hill with his brothers Ted and Jack before working at Knoll Inc.’s first shop in East Greenville in 1960. He was there until 1968 before starting his own business, the design and fabrication of harpsichords. By the early 70’s he transitioned to the restoration of vintage cars, his career for the next 30 years. Maury became known among mechanics, enthusiasts and collectors for his almost magical ability to take a broken down vehicles, sometimes having sat in the elements for decades and transforming them into prize winning treasures. His clients included Bernie Berman of Berman Trucking. His specialty was British vintage makes of Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar as well as Austro Daimler, Isotta Fraschini and other pre-World War II classics.
Maury was a gifted raconteur and was the center of any social gathering. He could talk to anyone about anything, and you always had the feeling you had made a friend after speaking to him. His mechanical gifts were demonstrated in his ability to fabricate parts for his projects that would otherwise be unavailable, and he was happy to share his expertise freely.
Maury is survived by his four sons: Michael and partner Trisha of Jamestown RI, Peter and wife Karol of Marlborough MA, Dan and partner Liz of Milton MA, and Jack and wife Yao of White Plains NY. Maury has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. To all his family, friends and innumerable contacts and fans, his passing will be a noted sadly and he will be sorely missed.
Services will be private. The Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg is in charge of arrangements. To offer online condolences, please visit his ‘Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.