Name: Calling hours for William J. Hampton
Start: 2015-05-09T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-05-09T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Rigby Harting and Hagan Funeral Home - Media

1922-2015 William J. Hampton “CHIEF”, former Upper Providence Chief of Police, age 92 years of Media, Pa, passed away on April 30, 2015. Born in Chester, PA on June 15, 1922. Son of the late William and Isabelle (Boyle) Hampton. Preceded in death by son, William Hampton, Jr.; three grandsons, Andrew Bailey, Clem Bailey and Edwin Fisher; great-grandson, Jacob Fisher and his six sisters. Bill graduated from St. James High School in 1942. In his senior year he was captain of the football and basketball teams. He served 4 years in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduation. He was appointed to Upper Providence Police in 1953 and became Chief in 1954, a position he held until retirement in 1983. Even after retirement he was known as “Chief”. Delaware County Police Chief Association honored Chief Hampton as 1981 “Chief of the Year”. He was president of the association from 1964 to 1965. In 1965 he received a plaque from J. Edgar Hoover for his community service. In 1954 with the help of his friends, Arnold McMinn & John Scala, and Chief started the Rose Tree Midgets. His son Bill and his friends were the first team. The Midgets would later become the Rose Tree Colts Football Club. The Chief’s entire life was dedicated to the youth of the Upper Providence area. The Chief and his friends saw this as an opportunity and a calling to provide a safe outlet for youthful energy. He saw it as a chance to teach the game he loved and instill the fundamentals of good sportsmanship. In 1972 the Chief was honored by being named to Pop Warner All American, along with the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, of the University of Alabama. This award was for the Chief’s long service to the youth of the community. In 1974 Chief Hampton received the Warren B. Humes Sportsperson of the Year by the Media Old Timers Assoc. The Chief remained with the Colts and was their President until his retirement in 1979. Even in his retirement the Chief was a steady presence at the Colts field. He would visit and watch the kids practice and play their games right up to the time of his passing. Even the kids of today knew who the “Chief” was and were taught to always say hello and shake hands. In the fall of 2012, Rose Tree Colts decided to name the field where they play at Rose Tree Elementary School “The Chief Hampton Field.” This was an honor that was a long time coming. The Chief and his family and friends were able to enjoy the celebration together at the annual Home Coming Ceremony. Officers and dignitaries from Upper Providence and Media came to honor a “Living Legend”. The “Chief” left behind the most important gift to his family and friends - wonderful memories. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Rose Tree Colts, PO Box 377, Media, PA 19063. Funeral Services: 1 pm Saturday May 9th at Rigby Harting & Hagan, 15 E. Fourth St., Media, Pa. Calling: 11am to 1pm prior to service. Burial will be at Media Cemetery. www.haganfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Daily Times from May 4 to May 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William Hampton

Sponsored by DelcoTimes.com.

16 Entries

Susan Todorow Rohrman

May 6, 2015

So sorry for your loss.

Jeff Campbell

May 6, 2015

My family's, and my own memory of Bill are many. I kept up with him occasionally in recent years, only to learn from a caretaker of his that he was not doing well. As a young child growing up in Upper Providence, Bill was a presence in our lives, due to my older brother Greg's friendship with Bill Jr, and them playing on that midget team together. At age 12, my brother died in a gun accident in upstate PA. Bill Sr drove up to the funeral in his squad car to pay his respects- we will never forget his kind gesture.
Later in my life, as typical teen troubles developed, my father sent me to see Bill at the station house to have a talk. What an impact he made on me. In fact, my Dad once said to put Bill's head on my shoulder, and in times of temptation, to look over at him and see if he would approve. Little did Bill know what an impression he made on me, until later I told him- he smiled and hugged me.
Bill instituted the Greg Campbell Award in memory of my brother, given to a player every year at the Colts banquet. That lasted for many years.
Rest in peace great man Bill Hampton, you accomplished much in your long life, helped along many young boys and girls, and will be remembered forever.
Thank you Bill

May 6, 2015

So very sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Hampton. He was always a gentleman
and kind to me. Heart felt sympathy to Ann and the family. He is with our Lord now and his family in heaven. God Bless to all, especially Ann.
Lots of love and peace, Dee and Dr. Carlucci.

May 6, 2015

Loved, loved, loved this man. Such a kind and gentle soul. I will never forget him. I am so sorry for your loss.

Alice Veitz and children

Beth Warner Charbonneau

May 6, 2015

My condolences to Debbie and Ann and the rest of the extended family. Chief was a mainstay in our lives for many years. The Warner family has great memories from the early days of the Rose Tree Colts,hanging out in Ocean City and Brigantine NJ, and family gatherings. Chief was a great influence in the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for his empathetic nature and his unconditional friendship. God bless Chief and his family..

May 3, 2015

Chief Hampton: My dear friend, but most importantly my mentor, thanks for all you did to advance my career, and follow in your foot steps. I never would have made it without your strong advice and fatherly care for my family. Kathy, John, Tommy, and Beth will always remember you. Christmas with Mike Schmidt at the Boat House, only you could pull that one off. We love you, God Bless, and rest in peace.

Chief#2 Thomas J Davis Ret.

Kristopher Feigel

May 2, 2015

Bill was a great human being,he would make you feel like a special person and I enjoyed his company immensely.

David Hodges

May 1, 2015

My condolences to you Ann and the rest of your family. A lot of good memories of the Chief as a kid growing up. RIP

Despo Tatasciore

May 1, 2015

Our condolences to the Chief's family from our families the Chambers and Tatasciores from Glen Mills. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind for our kids and grand kids.

May 1, 2015

A great man will be missed and thank you
for all the lives you have changed Chief
it was great to know you and serve with
you.

Captain Herbert P. Braselman Jr., USN (Retired)

May 1, 2015

At the age of eight, I was an Upper Providence Midget, which was what the Colts were originally called, in 1957. Mr. Hampton (we never called him Chief then) was our coach and the organizer and fundraiser of the outfit. He organized our first fundraiser which consisted of all the kids going from door to door through the neighborhood asking for donations which were put in our football helmets. We were only supposed to go to residences but, a group of us went to the bar which was next to the Martel's shopping center and cleaned up! Mr. Hampton said we shouldn't have done that but we kept the money anyway. With the money we raised, and I'm sure some other hefty individual donations, he bought our first uniforms. They came two weeks later. I thought they were the best uniforms ever! That's just one story. Every kid on that team had a story too. In my opinion, if anyone deserves a place in Heaven, it's Mr. Hampton!

carole heller

May 1, 2015

so sorry to chief Hamptons family WE all grew up with Bill he will always be in our hearts. Bill Hampton to me was mr. upper providence! R.I.P. you were a great man!

The D'Ambrosio Family

April 30, 2015

On behalf of our family of Colts our condolences to you and your family. Chief changed the lives of countless children in the Media area and what an awesome legacy to leave behind. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

Kristi Mayo

April 30, 2015

So sorry Deb. Your father was well loved and will be sorely missed.

Steve Hefferan

April 30, 2015

To Chief's family.....Thanks for sharing this man with the community. He will never be forgotten!

Tim Main

April 30, 2015

My condolences to the family. I grew up two doors away on Carlton Place and remember him as the Chief from my youngest years.

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