When you try to take the measure of a man, you might look at the life he led and the lessons he passed on to others.

To Basil Nutter, few things were as important as how a person carried himself in the world.

He stressed the values of being well-spoken, tolerant and community-minded to his children, Michael and Renee, and often would go out of his way to demonstrate those principles.

"If it snowed," said his son, Mayor Nutter, "it wasn't enough for us to shovel our steps. We'd shovel 10 other people's down the street. If there was a block cleanup, we were out at the crack of dawn."

Basil D. Nutter Jr., who was born in South Philadelphia in the middle of the Great Depression and later served three years in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, died Wednesday.

He was 76 and lived at the Hopewell Place Senior Apartments in Bridgeton, Cumberland County, N.J.

Nutter grew up at 22nd and Montrose streets, just north of the city's Point Breeze section. The oldest of six children, he attended South Philadelphia High School.

Almost immediately after graduation, he enlisted. Following his stint in the Army, Nutter worked a number of jobs, including as a plumber and a pharmaceutical representative, meeting with doctors and other medical professionals.

He also worked for a short time as a supervisor of paperboys for the Inquirer, a job that netted his children a surprise pet.

"A puppy once followed a newsboy back to the office, so my father brought him home," Mayor Nutter said. "It was a blast. I took care of him from age 7 to 18."

Nutter and his wife, Catalina Bargas, raised their children at 55th Street and Larchwood Avenue in West Philadelphia. Their house was a frequent gathering spot for relatives and their children's friends.

It wasn't uncommon for Basil Nutter to pile Michael and a handful of pals into the family station wagon for a trip to the Spectrum or Franklin Field. "We had a good time growing up," the mayor said.

Nutter took special joy in the little things, like teaching his children how to ride a bike, throw a football and be good at sports. "He was a very big part of my life," his son added.

Besides his children, Basil Nutter is survived by four grandchildren, three sisters and his ex-wife.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Bridgeton. The family has asked that condolences be sent to the Mayor's Office, Room 215, City Hall.