John A. Bauer | Football star, 72

John A. Bauer, 72, of Garnet Valley, a former Villanova University football star, died of cancer July 12 at home.

Mr. Bauer grew up in Upper Darby. He graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School, where he played on the football team that won the city championship in 1951. He was an All-Catholic running back in 1953. He earned a bachelor's degree from Villanova University on a football scholarship and for two years led the Villanova team in rushing, receiving and scoring. In 1957, he was drafted by the Washington Redskins, but declined to join the team. Instead, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rosemarie McKenna. He played semi-pro ball in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and worked for Narberth Beverage Co.

He retired from the company in the 1990s and then worked part time for 10 years for Clifton Beverage. He and his wife lived in Westbrook Park until moving to Garnet Valley three months ago.

In 1993, Mr. Bauer was named to the list of "Villanova Wildcats 100 Top Players" and in 2003 he received the West Catholic Alumni Association's Golden Burr Award for his outstanding football career.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Bauer is survived by a daughter, Beth Murphy; a son, John J.; two sisters; and five grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will said be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Eugene Church, 200 S. Oak Ave., Primos. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.