Louis J. Incognito, 72, East Mount Airy community leader

Louis J. Incognito, 72, a community leader in East Mount Airy, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, of renal cancer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Incognito did not limit his activism to his neighborhood.

"Anywhere he saw a picket line, if he was driving, he would stop, talk to the people, and walk with them," said his wife, Sheila. "We're a very strong union family.

"Lou was always interested in peace and equality."

Mr. Incognito, born in South Philadelphia, graduated from La Salle College High School and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1964 at what is now La Salle University.

Mr. Incognito attended day classes in college for a few years, his wife said, but after they were married in 1962, he went to night classes while working days at his parents' clothing-manufacturing firm, J & A Incognito, in Old City.

Mr. Incognito was a member of the East Mount Airy Neighbors organization for the last 33 years and was vice president of its board for five years, until June.

His wife said he handled the trash detail for several years at Mount Airy Day, which now takes place on the grounds of Cliveden, the historic estate on Germantown Avenue at Johnson Street.

He was a member of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in the 1960s.

Mr. Incognito was a career computer programmer.

He began in 1964 at the General Electric space division at 32d and Market Streets and, from 1966 to 1974, was at the former Merck, Sharp & Dohme in West Point, Montgomery County.

After working for Union Fidelity Life Insurance Co. in Trevose, he was with the Center City office of the former Reliance Insurance Co.

His final assignments were with Professional Partners, a consulting firm, from 1993 to 1998.

Besides his wife of 49 years, Mr. Incognito is survived by sons Andrew, David, Lou, and Paul; a daughter, Jodi Haasz; a brother; nine grandchildren; and his mother, Angela.

A memorial service was set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Dr.