Mourning the death and honoring the memory of W. Thacher Longstreth.

WHEREAS, W. Thacher Longstreth was eighty-three years old when, on April 11, 2003, God in His wisdom took him from our midst, and thus this City, Commonwealth and Country have lost a true friend and a wonderful gentleman; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Longstreth hails from a family that traces its origins to 11th Century England. His forefathers immigrated to Philadelphia in 1699, prospered, and suffered the effects of the Great Depression. From that time on, Thacher Longstreth learned independence and self-sufficiency, working to put himself through the Haverford School by cutting grass, tutoring and waiting on tables. He won a scholarship to Princeton University, continued to support himself, graduated with honors and became not only an All-American football player but also surely one of the team’s most loyal fans. He even took days off during his campaigns so as not to miss even one game; and

WHEREAS, His Navy record during the War demonstrates his intelligence and courage. He won two Bronze Stars and participated in eight major naval campaigns. It was after the War, in 1952, that he became active in politics, working on the campaign of Dwight D. Eisenhower. Whether in Kensington or Chestnut Hill, the people loved him. Neither his great sense of humor nor his refusal to take himself too seriously damaged his image; rather, his friendly and courteous manner endeared him to one and all; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Longstreth took over the top administrative post at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in 1964. During his tenure, membership tripled. In 1967, he ran for City Council, won, and became a distinguished and independent voice in Council Chambers and around the City. After a hiatus from 1971 until 1983, he ran again, and served until the time of his death; and

WHEREAS, His principles, always strong (he refused to join the Union League until it dropped discriminatory policies), served him well in City Council, and he was held in high esteem and deep affection on both sides of the aisle and throughout his City; and

WHEREAS, A good and true legend has left us. His spirit of civility, thoughtfulness, courtliness and friendship, is an example for all of us, and as we will miss him, so will we remember him in our hearts and minds, and in the lasting history of our City; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby mourn the death and celebrate the life of The Honorable W. Thacher Longstreth. To his large and loving family we extend our most profound condolences, and the hope that you will find comfort in the peace he has now surely found.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of The Honorable W. Thacher Longstreth as evidence of the sincere respect and condolences of this legislative body.

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