Ervin L. Davis, city financial whiz

ERVIN L. DAVIS was a master of the arcane technique of prying money out of government bureaucracies.

As the chief financial officer of Family Court for 30 years, he had plenty of opportunity to practice his skill.

Through his knowledge of the facts and figures, his ability to express himself clearly and concisely in the applications and his reputation for thoroughness and integrity, he wrought millions from often resistant state and federal agencies for the expenses of a court that deals with troubled juveniles and families.

"Because of his efforts, Family Court got millions in government grants and bonuses," said Jerome A. Zaleski, Family Court administrative judge from 1989 to 1992. "I couldn't have done the job without him."

Ervin Davis, who had a 50-year career with city government, always in the financial and personnel sphere, a world traveler and devoted family man, died last Friday from complications following heart surgery. He was 77 and lived in the Northeast.

At Family Court, Ervin was known for the clear glass window in his office door, a symbol, one might say, of the openness of the man and his work.

"He was a fine gentleman with a high degree of civility," Zaleski said. "Everybody admired him because they knew how competent he was. He was dedicated to his job."

In 1991, when the court was under pressure to shave dozens of jobs, Ervin stepped in and saved many employees from the axe by writing reports describing their importance to the operation, Zaleski said.

"He had an adroit and uncanny ability to write reports," he said.

Ervin was born in South Philadelphia to Max and Esther Davis, who had emigrated from Romania in the early '20s. His father operated a variety store at 16th and Bainbridge streets.

He earned the nickname "Peanut" when he was about 5 because of his habit of tagging along with older boys, who continued to call him that even after he became a 6-foot adult.

He graduated from Central High School in 1948 and received a bachelor's degree in education from Temple University in 1952. In later years, he earned a master's degree in public policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

In June 1953, he married Renee Rozeen. That same year, he began his career with the city in the classification and pay division of the Personnel Department.

Those were exciting times in Philadelphia government. Joseph S. Clark and Richardson Dilworth were reform mayors and hired top-notch people to run city departments.

Under the Home Rule Charter of 1951, a merit system for hiring was established and it became Ervin's job to develop job descriptions and salary recommendations. He was at the heart of the effort to create a viable civil service system.

In 1959, Ervin joined the Water Department as personnel officer and then special assistant to then Commissioner Samuel Baxter.

In 1964, he became a management analyst in the managing director's office, acting as the liaison to the Water and Police departments.

When he joined the court system, Family Court was undergoing major growth in cases, staff and responsibilities. Then President Judge Frank J. Montemuro Jr. asked Ervin to work on personnel and management issues.

His official title was deputy court administrator, and he remained for 30 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was overseeing the renovations of the landmark building at 1801 Vine St.

"This is a classic, monumental kind of building, which is located on Logan Square, one of the finest public squares in the country," he once said.

"We tried to preserve the fine interior and exterior features. The murals in the courtroom are beautiful and expressive of the ideals of the juvenile court."

A kind-hearted man who was genuinely concerned about the youngsters who came through the court, he looked forward to Fridays, adoption days.

Ervin received two Service Achievement Awards from Family Court, and in 2000 was honored as Employee of the Year.

Throughout the '60s and '70s, he taught management techniques at Temple, Penn, and Rider College.

He was past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Public Personnel Association and past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.

Ervin enjoyed traveling the world, and especially loved Italy.

He also is survived by a daughter, Nancy Wagner, and a grandson, Matthew Wagner. He was predeceased by two sisters, Jerry Davis and Mildred Lipshutz.

Services: Were private. *