William Bambi, 72, former Norristown police chief

William J. Bambi, 72, who for years was Norristown's popular, homegrown police chief, died Monday, Sept. 12, at Mercy Suburban Hospital in East Norriton. He had a stroke several years ago and never fully recovered.

Mr. Bambi was born and raised in the town's East End and rose to become "Norristown's version of Frank Rizzo," said the current police chief, Russell Bono.

Called "Chief" by everyone who knew him, Mr. Bambi was popular in the community, and, like the late mayor of Philadelphia, lit up a room with his magnetism and powerful physical presence.

Mr. Bambi graduated from Norristown High School in 1957 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served in a guard detail at the White House during the Eisenhower administration, Bono said.

"He was immensely proud of his service there. He was proud to even be selected for that," said Bono, who is Mr. Bambi's first cousin.

In 1963, Mr. Bambi joined the Norristown Police Department. He worked his way up and served as chief from 1980 until a heart attack at the Jersey Shore forced him to retire in 1992.

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. was a rookie assistant district attorney during Mr. Bambi's tenure and recalls the atmosphere in the department.

Castor said: "It was like the Chicago police under Eliot Ness, with the old desks and heavy wooden chairs, and revolvers. It was an old-time police department . . . and Bill Bambi was the guy who steered that ship."

As leader of the force, he was measured and fair, correcting the men when they needed it while still caring about them, Bono said.

As a community leader, he had "street cred" because of his rough manner, balanced by a feeling of concern for Norristown's citizens.

"He was portrayed like he was a tough guy, but he wasn't. That played well with people on the street. Really, he was down to earth and real honest," said Bono.

His wife, the former Anne Delliponti, met her husband when she became a secretary in the department.

Both had been married and divorced. They had been married for 13 years at his death.

"He wore his heart on his sleeve, and he helped so many people in the community," she said.

In private life, Mr. Bambi liked to hang out at Lou's Steak Shop in the East End and talk with the patrons from his old neighborhood.

"People were just naturally drawn to him," Bono said.

Mr. Bambi was a member of the Montgomery County Police Chiefs Association, the MSS Club at Holy Savior Church in Norristown, and the American Legion.

He loved golf, saltwater fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Bambi is survived by sons Manuel McClellan and Michael; daughters Gina Rothgery, Nicole Jacob, Camille Reilly, and Nicola Schultz; 12 grandchildren; and a brother.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, and 8 to 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Boyd-Horrox Funeral Home, 200 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Saviour Church, 407 E. Main St., Norristown. Interment will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery, East Norriton.

Donations may be made to Chief Bill Bambi Memorial Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 2730 DeKalb Pike, East Norriton, Pa. 19401.