Memorial Page – Philadelphia Modifiers

In Memory of Past Members

Ron Murry Active 1957-2023

We lost a great member who had a lot of history with The Philadelphia Modifiers Street Rod Club. He was a true craftsman and someone the club will surly miss.

Ronald grew up in Oxford Circle where he attended St. Martin of Tours. Following his graduation from Father Judge High School in 1957, he began his career as an antique auto upholsterer and would go on to own ABC Auto Upholstery and Top, Co. for many years. Ronald’s eye for fine craftsmanship and penchant for antique automobiles made him a highly sought after craftsman, garnering him business around the world!

Ronald was an active member of the National Chrysler Products Club (NCPC), the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and the Crown Victoria Association (CVA). Most recently, he was a member of the Philadelphia Modifiers Street Rod Club. Ronald was also an avid model train collector, photographer, and race car driver as a teenager.

Tommy Meers Jr. Active XXXX-2023

Thomas Meers Jr. (eulogy written by Tom’s good friend and fellow member Chuck Harding)
6-19-64 to 5-18-23
Tommy Meers was a second generation Philadelphia Modifier and joined the club when he restored his Dads 32 Ford Roadster. A true to word Hot Rodder and a friend to all who knew him.

Curt D'Angiolini Active 1974-2023

Curt D’Angiolini passed away on February 7th, 2023. Curt was a former Peco employee and a senior member who joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1974 and served as Club Secretary twice during his time as a member. Curt built several Street Rods over the years, his first being his yellow 1948 Angilia Sedan. He later restored his 1948 Thames from the ground up. Curt also had a 1935 Chevy Cabriolet with a 502 engine. His final build was a 1963 Chevy pickup Rat Rod. Curt was the kind of guy that would help you whenever you needed a hand. If for some reason, he did not have the answer, he would always say “I got a guy!” and it would be handled. The club lost a member that lived so much history of the Philadelphia Modifiers Street Rod Club. He lived what we often talk about, the good old days of Street Rodding. Curt will always be remembered by the members and friends that loved him.

Charlie Hoff Active 2014-2022

Charlie Hoff passed away on March 12th, 2022. The Philadelphia Modifiers lost a true gentleman, great member, and a really nice guy! Charlie has been a members since 2014, he enjoyed his cars, a 1932 Ford Three Window Coupe, and a 1934 Plymouth Five Window Coupe. Charlie was just the kind of guy you enjoyed being around, always upbeat and kind hearted. We were all proud to have him as a member, and to call him our friend. Charlie will be greatly missed, not only by the Philadelphia Modifiers, but by everyone that had to pleasure of knowing him in our hobby.

Harry Reiter Active 1991-2021

Harry Reiter passed on February 8th, 2021. Harry joined the Philadelphia Modifiers 1991.This was going to be his 30th year as a member. Harry was a valuable member of the club, Harry has been the President, Treasurer, and at the time of his passing Club Adviser. Before becoming a Philadelphia Modifier he was one of the founding members of the “Sleepers Car Club”. He was always involved in all the club’s additivities, always giving his all to help in anyway needed. He was a true Hot Rodder, he enjoyed his cars, being around cars, talking to car people. He will be greatly missed not only by the Modifiers, but by anyone who was lucky enough to have Harry in their lives.

Wendell Raymond Active 2002-2019

Wendell Raymond passed on October 31, 2019. Wendell was a Member of The Philadelphia Modifiers since 2002. His club car was a 1931 Chrysler Sedan. Wendell was well respected by all club members. He was a gentleman and a friend to us all. In 2018, Wendell was awarded the “Bill Lytle Award” which is awarded to a member “in recognition to those who have put forth special effort, above and beyond the norm to benefit the club”. Wendell was a truly amazing addition to the Modifiers and is greatly missed.

Frank LaPolla Active 1976-2019

Frank LaPolla passed away on October 25th, 2019. Frank had been a dedicated member since 1976. During his time with the Modifiers, Frank served as both Secretary and President. Frank was also the MASRA Representative for the Philadelphia Modifiers until its discontinuation. Frank was also rewarded the “Street Rodder Of The Year” from MARSA. Frank has been a dedicated member and friend to us all. Frank was a true gentleman. Frank and his wife Donna would attend York pulling a camper behind his 1931 Chevy Sedan. Frank had three cars; a 1931 Chevy Sedan, a 1948 Suburban, and a 1939 Ford custom that was in progress, this was a mixed bag, from a Modal-A frame the cowl and font and rear of a 1939 Ford. Frank was a true Street Rodder. In 2019, with stage four Pancreatic Cancer, Frank and Donna LaPolla drove to the NSRA Nationals in Louisville Kentucky in their Suburban. He was a fighter and would not let this cancer stop him from making the Nationals. The club will miss Franky very much. He will also be missed by the sport of Street Rodding as Frank was a true Rodder, and a credit to the sport.

The club has a lot of pictures of Frank and his history in the club, click on the link below for an brief interview we had with Frank during the 60th anniversary picnic.

Rest in peace Frank, you where a true friend to us all.

Barry Blyer Active XXXX-2019

The Modifiers lost a real gentlemen, craftsman, friend and past Officer. Barry hand built his Roadster, he drove it proudly to Cruises and Shows, many times getting drenched in a surprise shower. Barry was such an asset to our club, willing to help anybody any time, no task was too big for Barry to handle. We lost Barry July 25th 2019. To say he will be greatly missed is a understatement.

Wayne R. Hetrick Active XXXX-2019

Wayne R. Hetrick December 11, 1950 – May 17, 2019 Wayne R. Hetrick, age 68, passed away suddenly on Friday May 17th, 2019. He was born on December 11th, 1950 and grew up in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. Wayne purchased a 1934 Sedan Delivery from another member of the club, tore it completely down, and was in the process of installing a new motor, interior, and paint. Unfortunately, the car was not completed upon his passing. Wayne was a good member and friend and will be greatly missed.

Bob Self Active XXXX-2018

We lost Bob Self in 2018. He was a true car guy and nothing brought him more pleasure then to be driving in one of his beautiful rides. Bob was a member of the 200 MPH Club, which he achieved with his Ford GT40. He was loved by all. If you gave Bob a compliment on one of his cars, no matter which one he was driving that day, he would throw you the keys and say “take it for a spin!”

Bob Crompton Active 2012-2018

Bob Crompton joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 2012. He was very proud of his Buick with a stock straight eight. Bob was also an electric train buff. Bob passed away in August of 2018.

George & Ray Bowers Active 1955-2018

George and Ray Bowers, known as the “Bowers Brothers” were founding members of the Philadelphia Modifiers. Their mechanical skill and passion for Hot Rods and racing set the standard for what it meant to me a Modifier. The Bowers Brothers’ most notable vehicles were: “Lil’ Rowdy”; A Competition Coupe powered by a 346 cu.in. Olds fitted with a crank-driven 671 GMC blower that set a record at the Vineland Speedway, the “Twistmobile” which was a 1948 Fiat Coupe fitted with a 1958 404 cu.in. Olds and a 671 GMC blower and established the still-standing 1961 NHRA class record of 10:56 at 155.6 MPH in Petersburg, VA, and a 1934 Ford Coupe with a 455 cu.in. rear-mounted Olds engine which was disqualified from the Hatfield Raceway after its first pass.

George passed away in 2018, and we lost Ray in April of 2017.

Marwyn Risler Active 1982-2017

Marwyn Risler first joined our club in 1982 then left and rejoined in 1997. Marwyn would be seen everywhere with his 1936 flamed Ford Coupe. He drove his Street Rod daily. He was know by everyone in our hobby. Marwyn left us too soon. He is missed greatly by our club.

Fran Stoker Active 2015-2017

Fran was very proud of his three Fords. Any question about Ford cars, motors, or parts, he was the man to go too. Fran was well respected and is missed dearly. Fran joined the club in 2015 and left us in 2017.

Michael Logan Active 2009-2016

Mike Logan joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 2009. He drove a 1932 Chevy Sedan big block. Mike passed away in December of 2016.

Harry Brown Active 2013-2016

Harry Brown joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 2013. Harry was a very outgoing guy well liked by everyone. He was an incredibly active member who got the club involved in many shows and cruises. Harry was a great asset to our hobby and our club.

Bob Krauss Active 2014-2015

Bob Krauss joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in June of 2014. Sadly, we loss Bob in February of 2015.

John Shales Active 1998-2015

John Shales joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1998 and would be seen proudly driving in his chopped 1937 Mopar.

Frank Urbany Sr. Active 1997-2015

Frank Urbany Sr. joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1997. He drove a 1932 Ford sedan. Frank passed away in February of 2015.

John Hewins Active 1995-2016

John Hewins joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1995 and served as Club Secretary twice during his time as a member. John passed away in 2016. John was a perfect gentleman. He is greatly missed.

Tom Burger Active 1995-2016

Tom Burger had a 1955 Chevy Truck with Mechanical Fuel Injection. Tom joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1995, and passed way too soon.

Harry Waibel Active 2001-XXXX

Harry Waibel joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 2001. His ride was a 1933 Ford Vicky, he is greatly missed.

Harvey Kramer Active 2002-XXXX

Harvey Kramer – Joined 2002 drove a 1935 Chevy Master. Harvey will be missed.

Al Pfiefer Active 1999-XXXX

Al joined the Club in 1999, Al was very proud when driving his 41 Chevy Coupe with a four speed, passed too soon and will be missed.

Don Lenox Active 1995-XXXX

Don presenting the Award to one of our “Soap Box Winners Don Lenox – Don joined the club in 1995, he drove 26 Ford “T” Coupe, 35 Buick 2 door Sedan, 59 El Camio and a 1953 Henry J. He was very involved with the Club, and though his efforts the Philadelphia Modifiers still sponsors two teams in the “Soap Box Derby” in his honor.

Tom Taylor Active 1982-2001

Tom Taylor joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1982 and was a very involved member. He made many displays for parades and car shows when we did shows at our local Convention Center. He was a very talented member and is greatly missed.

Rick Widdop Active 1978-2001

Rick Widdop joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1978. Though Rick had many cars while he was a member, he was most known for his 1932 Ford powered by a Hemi.

Russel Sift Active 1972-2001

Russ Sift joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1972 and was with the club until his passing in 2001. Russ was a carpenter by trade and was a gifted craftsmen. The Modifiers had a running joke with Russ: that none of his tools ever had a power cord. Russ was a true Hot Rodder, drag racing the streets of Willow Grove, Hatboro, and Horsham. His ride was an “Old School” 1927 Ford Model-T powered by a blown Oldsmobile engine; a genuine Street Rod.

This cartoon was made after Russ’s passing. Representing Russ’s trip to heaven

Russell Sift – Russ join our club in 1972, he passed in 2001. Russ was a carpenter by trade, a real craftsmen….we used to joke with him stating that none of his tools had a cord. Russ was a true Hot Rodder, drag racing the streets of Willow Grove, Hatboro, Horsham area. His ride was an “Old School” 27 Ford T, blown Olds powered, a true Street Rod.

Rick Widdop – Joined the club in 1978, Rick had many cars while he was a member, but was most know for his 1932 Ford powered by a Hemi

.Tom Taylor – Tom joined our Club in 1982, was a very involved member. He made many, many displays for parades and Car shows when we did the Convention Center Shows. He was a very talented member and is greatly missed.

Al Pfiefer – Al joined the Club in 1999, Al was very proud when driving his 41 Chevy Coupe with a four speed, passed too soon and will be missed.

Harvey Kramer – Joined 2002 drove a 1935 Chevy Master. Harvey will be missed.

Harry Waibel – Harry joined the Club in 2001, his ride was a 33 Ford Vicky, he is greatly missed.

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Ray Bowers – Ray was one of the founding members back in 1955.Ray left the club and returned back to the Modifiers in 1996. Ray was know though out the area. We would all talk to him about his and Georges adventures while racing the circuit with their Fiat Altered Dragster. Ray was an active member until his passing. Ray passed April of 2017.

Ray, on the right, and George at our 50th Anniversary

George, on left, Ray on right, I believe at Hatfield Drag Strip with their Old’s Powered, crank driven blower, record holder dragster

George Bowers – George was one of the founding members, back in 1955. Left the club and returned back in 1996. George passed in 2009. George and his brother Ray was heavy into Drag Racing in the early years. Later in life you would see him at all the events driving his yellow 39 Chevy Coupe.

Tom Burger – Tom had a 55 Chevy Truck with Mechanical Fuel Injection. Tom joined our club in 1995, and passed way to soon.

John Hewins- Joined our club in 1995, John passed 2016. He was Club Secretary for two years. John was a perfect gentleman. He is greatly missed.

Frank Urbany Sr – Frank joined our club in 1997, he drove a 1932 Ford sedan Frank Passed Feb 2015

John Shales – John joined the Club in 1998, would be seen proudly driving in his chopped 37 Mopar.

Bob Krauss – Bob joined our club i June 2014, sadly we loss Bob in Feb of 2015.

Harry Brown – Harry joined out club in 2013. Harry was a very outgoing guy well liked by everyone….always trying to get the club involved in shows and cruises, he was a asset to our hobby.

Fran stoker-Fran was very proud of his three Fords. Any question about any Ford Car, motor, part,or problem Ford related he was the man to go too. Well respected and missed. Fran joined the club in 2015, left us in 2017.

Michael Logan – Mike joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 2009. He drove a 32 Chevy Sedan Big Block. Went too soon, Passed Dec 2016

Marwyn Risler – Joined our club in 1982, left and returned in 1997. Marwyn was would be seen everywhere with his 36 Flamed Ford Coupe. He drove his Street Rod daily. He was know by everyone in our hobby. Marwyn left us to soon. He is missed greatly by our club.

Bob Crompton –DSCF8730 Bob joined the Club in 2012, he was very proud of his Buick with the Stock Straight Eight, he was also an Electric Train buff. Bob Passed Aug 2018.

B Bob Self-Bob was a true car guy, nothing brought him more pleasure then to be driving in one of his beautiful Rides. Bob was a member of the 200 MPH Club, he did that with his GT40. He was loved by all. If you gave Bob a compliment on one of his cars, no matter which one he was driving that day, he would throw you the keys and say “take it for a spin” a True Car Guy……we lost Bob in 2018.

Wayne R. Hetrick

Wayne and his wife at the Modifiers Banquet 2019

Wayne R. Hetrick December 11, 1950 – May 17, 2019 Wayne R. Hetrick, age 68, passed away suddenly on Friday May 17th, 2019. He was born on December 11th 1950 and grew up in Wyndmoor PA. Wayne purchased a 34 Sedan Delivery from another member of he club, tour it completely down, in the process of new motor, interior and paint, unfortunately the car was not completed when he passed. Wayne was a good member and friend and will be greatly missed.

Barry Blyer The Modifiers lost a real gentlemen, craftsman, friend and past Officer. Barry hand built his Roadster, he drove it proudly to Cruises and Shows, many times getting drenched in a surprise shower. Barry was such an asset to our club, willing to help anybody any time, no task was too big for Barry to handle. We lost Barry July 25th 2019. To say he will be greatly missed is a understatement.

Frank LaPolla-Frank passed oct 25th 2019. Frank has been a dedicated member since 1976. During that time Frank has served as both Secretary and President during his membership. Frank was also the MASRA Representative for the Philadelphia Modifiers until MASRA discontinued. Frank was also rewarded the “Street Rodder Of The Year” from MARSA. Frank has been a dedicated member and friend to us all. Frank was a True Gentleman. Frank and his wife Donna would attend York pulling a camper behind his 31 Chevy Sedan, He attended York along with other Events yearly. Frank had three cars, a 31 Chevy Sedan, a 48 Suburban, and a 1939 Ford custom that was in progress, this was a mixed bag, from a Modal A frame the cowl and font and rear of a 39 Ford. . Frank was a true Street Rodder, this year in stage four Pancreatic Cancer, Frank and Donna drove to the NSRA Nationals in Louisville Ky. in their Suburban. He was a fighter and would not let this Cancer stop him from making the Nationals. The club will miss Franky very, very much. He will also be missed by the Sport of Street Rodding, Frank was a True Street Rodder, and a credit to his sport.

I had a lot of pictures of Frank, and his history in the club, click on DSCF8760 below for an small interview I had with Frank during the 60th Anniversary Picnic.

Rest in Peace Frank, you where a true friend to us all.

DSCF8760

Franks Obit

Wendell Raymond-Wendell passed Oct. 31, 2019. Wendell has been a Member of The Philadelphia Modifiers since 2002. His club car was a 31 Chrysler Sedan. Wendell was well respected by all club members. He was a gentleman and a friend to us all. Last year Wendell was awarded the “Bill Lytle Award”, this is awarded to a member “in recognition to those who have put forth special effort, above and beyond the norm to benefit the club”. Wendell was a great member and friend to us all, he will be greatly missed.

Harry Reiter-Passed February 8th 2021. Harry joined the Philadelphia Modifiers 1991.This was going to be his 30th year as a member. Harry was a valuable member of the club, Harry has been the President, Treasurer, and at the time of his passing Club Adviser. Before becoming a Philadelphia Modifier he was one of the founding members of the “Sleepers Car Club”. He was always involved in all the club’s additivities, always giving his all to help in anyway needed. He was a true Hot Rodder, he enjoyed his cars, being around cars, talking to car people. He will be greatly missed not only by the Modifiers, but by anyone who was lucky enough to have Harry in their lives.

DSCF8733

Charlie Hoff passed away March 12th 2022. The Philadelphia Modifiers lost a true gentleman, great member, and a really nice guy! Charlie has been a members since 2014, he enjoyed his cars, a 32 Ford Three Window Coupe, and a 34 Plymouth Five Window Coupe. Charlie was just the kind of guy you enjoyed being around, always upbeat and kind hearted. We were all proud to have him as a member, and to call him our friend. Charlie will be greatly missed, not only by the Philadelphia Modifiers, but by everyone that had to pleasure of knowing him in our hobby.

Charlie Third from the left in the white shiirt

Curt D’Angiolini passed away Feb 7th 2023. Curt joined the Philadelphia Modifiers in 1974. He has served as Club Secretary two times. He ws one of the senior members. Curt’s first Street rod was a Yellow 48 Angilia Sedan which he built; the second Street Rod Curt built his 48 Thames from the ground up. Also had a 35 Chevy Cabriolet with a 502. His current ride was a 1963 Chevy pickup Rat Rod. Curt retired from Peco. Curt was the kind of guy that would help you whenever you need a hand. If for some reason, he did not have the answer, he would always say “I got a guy!” and it would be handled. The club lost a member that lived so much history of the Philadelphia Modifiers Street Rod Club. He lived what we talk about, the good old days of Street Rodding. Curt will always be remembered by the members and friends that loved him.

Curt with Bill McElroy the two longest active members of the Philadelphia Modifiers Street Rod Club

Tommy Meers

Thomas Meers Jr (eulogy written by Tom’s good friend and fellow member Chuck Harding)

6-19-64 to 5-18-23

Tommy Meer was a second generation Philadelphia Modifier and joined the club when he restored his Dads 32 Ford Roadster,A true to word Hot Rodder and a friend to all who knew him.

Ron Murry October 21, 1939 – May 17, 2023

We lost a great member wo had a lot of history with The Philadelphia Modifiers Street Rod Club. He was a true craftsman and someone the club will surly miss.

Ronald grew up in Oxford Circle where he attended St. Martin of Tours. Following his graduation from Father Judge High School, Class of ’57, he began his career as an antique auto upholsterer and would go on to own ABC Auto Upholstery and Top, Co. for many years. Ronald’s eye for fine craftsmanship and penchant for antique automobiles made him a highly sought after craftsman, garnering him business around the world!