Philadelphia radio legend Jerry Blavat has died at the age of 82
Philadelphia radio legend Jerry Blavat has passed away at the age of 82. FOX 29’s Bob Kelly shares details of his dear friend’s life.
Philadelphia – His family announced Friday morning that Philadelphia radio legend Jerry Blavat has passed away at the age of 82.
Born in South Philadelphia, Gerald Joseph Blavat began his career in entertainment as a dancer at Bandstand at 13.
By the time he was 20 years old, Blavat began hosting his own radio show that featured his bright, vibrant personality that captivated the area.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 15: Disc jockey Jerry Blavat visited Fox 29’s “Good Day” at FOX 29 Studio in Philadelphia, PA on May 15, 2015 in Philadelphia, United States. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
Along the way, Blavat has taken on several aliases such as “The Boss with the Hot Sauce” and “The Geator with the Heater”.
Blavat was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Hall of Fame in 1993 and in 1998 he was made a part of the Museum of Radio and Recording’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“Keep rocking ’cause you only rock once” was coined by Blavat which he later used as inspiration for his 2011 autobiography “You Only Rock Once: My Life in Music”.
He remained active in the radio business, running the Geator Gold Radio Network and ‘Memories’ in Margate.
Blavat was voted Philly Magazine’s “Best Icon” in 2018 and is immortalized on a mural in South Philadelphia along with other local music legends, including “Wildwood Days” singer Bobby Riddle.
Philadelphia all the way: Chickie’s & Pete CEO Pete Ciarucci remembers Jerry Blavat
Pete Ciarucci, CEO of Chickie’s & Pete, talks about the life and legacy of Philadelphia radio legend Jerry Blavat.
Blavat’s family shared a statement on Friday asking Jerry’s friends to continue sharing their memories of him.
Jerry said proudly, “Life is precious, and I am happy.” And when I’m happy, I want the world to be happy. So he lived life to the fullest and enjoyed sharing life with all of you.”
Many of Jerry’s friends have spoken of their many memories with the legend.
“I’ve been dancing on the dance floor since I was 18 and Jerry’s has become a huge part of my Saturday evenings and Saturday nights,” said Margate resident Don Ranieri.
“He would snap his fingers and give everyone names,” recalls a friend of Anne Catania.
Chickie’s and Pete’s CEO Pete Ciarrochi recalled, “He’s a picker. He’d say, ‘You’re the best, there’s no one better than you.'” You are the greatest. “
“He knew Dionne Warwick, he knew Frankie Avalon, he knew Smokey Robinson, but you were just as important to whom he talked to,” said Hughie Dillon, with Philly Chechat.
He was a traveling encyclopedia, health advocate, and generous man with a big heart, say his closest friends.
“Losing him in Philadelphia is like losing the Liberty Bell. It’s such a big part of the city,” Ciarucci added.
“I wanted to be him,” Dillon said. “He was so good with his energy, his connection with people, creating atmosphere, a party atmosphere.”
Wherever Blavat went, he did so with fun and entertainment.
“Geator, your style, your words – we’ll always think of you and you’ll always be a part of Chickie’s, Pete’s, and my family,” Ciarrocchi said.
Anne added, “The world is a better place and a better place because he was with us, but sad that there is no Jerry anymore.”
Jerry’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 28, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The show will begin at 9 am with the block scheduled for 11:30 am
“Lifelong beer expert. General travel enthusiast. Social media buff. Zombie maven. Communicator.”