Bernard J. Vaughan - Insurance & Investment Executive and former President of the Philadelphia Securities Association

Bernard J. Vaughan passed away Sunday, July 27, 2008 at his summer home in Beach Haven, NJ after a long illness with cancer. He raised his family in Bala Cynwyd, PA., but lived more recently in St. Davids, PA. He was 79 and born on October 23, 1928 in Chestnut Hill, PA. He was the son of the late Bernard and Bridget Vaughan of Mount Airy.


He was educated at Holy Cross Parish School in Mount Airy and Roman Catholic High School. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from LaSalle University with a BS in Finance in 1959.


Mr. Vaughan served in the Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of Sargeant, Second Infantry Division, Signal Corp. He was injured in combat and received numerous medals and participated in the Battle of Old Baldy.


Throughout his career, Mr. Vaughan was employed in various positions in the investment and insurance fields, including Vice President of the Treasury Division of PSFS Bank, Chief Financial Officer and Board Member of The Home Life Insurance Company of America, and Director of Investment Research at Fidelity Bank. In addition, he was a Professor of Finance and member of the faculty at both LaSalle and Temple.


He was a member of numerous business and professional associations and served as the President of the Philadelphia Securities Association, and Vice President of the Philadelphia Bond Club. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of many companies over the years including Capstone Management for over forty years.


Throughout his life Mr. Vaughan was an avid outdoorsman, introducing his children and grandchildren to boating, fishing, and hunting. Later in life, he particularly enjoyed spending time in Islamorada and Stuart, Florida. He was also a member of the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, Bunkers, and the Vandiver/Moylan V.F.W. Post.

He was predeceased (March, 2000) by his wife of 47 years, Peggy Vaughan. He is survived by his brother William Vaughan of Glenside, PA and sister Patricia Doherty of Moorestown, NJ; his children: Margy Norton (Pat) of Bala Cynwyd, PA; Bernie Vaughan (Kara) of Rumson, NJ; Bridget Diamond ( Peter) of Amsterdam, NY; Gerard Vaughan (Christine) of Yardley, PA; Ellie Dishler (George) of Plymouth Meeting, PA; and P.J. Vaughan (Sheila) of St. Davids, PA; and sixteen grandchildren.

He was a long-time member of St. Matthias Church in Bala Cynwyd, PA and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Beach Haven, NJ.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday July 31st, 11:00 AM at St. Matthias Church, Bryn Mawr & Highland Aves., Bala Cynwyd, PA. Relatives and friends may call at the Church after 9:00 AM. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Matthias Sanctuary Fund, 128 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.