Arnold D. Foley of typewriter firm

Arnold D. Foley, 83, of Cheltenham, longtime owner of Bundy Typewriter Co., a Philadelphia business since 1919, died Thursday, June 6, of lymphoma at his home.

In 1955, Mr. Foley started work as a credit manager for Bundy, which at the time was owned by his uncle Augustus Bundy.

The company at 10th and Chestnut Streets was where generations of families went to purchase their first typewriters, according to the Foley family.

"Back then, people could buy a typewriter with $9 down and take it home and pay it off monthly," said his son, David. "Rarely would someone default."

In 1965, after the death of Augustus Bundy, Mr. Foley purchased the business from his uncle's estate.

He added stores at Roosevelt Mall and the Lawrence Park Shopping Center in Broomall.

And in 1978, he had the foresight to begin selling the little-known Apple computer. Mr. Foley sensed the potential of the personal computer while recognizing the natural progression that would come as writers switched from typewriter to computer.

"We were so large with typewriters, we had to carry the first computers - the Commodore and the Osborne. But the Apple was the big get," his son said.

The Lawrence Park store burned after an adjacent store caught fire 15 years ago. The Roosevelt Mall shop closed in the mid-2000s. The business moved from 10th and Chestnut to 1809 Chestnut St.

Born in South Philadelphia, Mr. Foley was raised in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. He graduated from Central High School and then worked for the Reuben H. Donnelly printing company.

"He could come into a room and take control. He was a good salesman and had a commanding presence," his son said.

During the Korean War, Mr. Foley served in the U.S. Army Band and was discharged with the rank of sergeant. He received a degree in business from Temple University, where he played the saxophone and clarinet in the school's marching band.

His family persuaded him to join the Bundy company. Mr. Foley met his wife, the former Margaret McCrea, at the store, where she was a secretary-receptionist.

In addition to running a business, he was devoted to his family and friends, and as a mentor to many.

He was active in the community, and in the late 1980s served as president of the Chestnut Street Association.

He enjoyed skiing, orchestra concerts, and traveling the world with his wife.

In addition to his son and wife of 50 years, he is survived by two other sons, Arnold A. and Steven; daughters Margie and Karen; a brother; and six grandchildren.

A viewing from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, will be followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 100 Old Soldiers Rd., Cheltenham. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.jffluehrandsons.com.