What to Know
- Jerry Blavat, the Philadelphia radio icon and dance host legend known as “The Geator with the Heater," died of myasthenia gravis and related health issues on Jan. 20, 2023, his family said.
- Blavat spend parts of eight decades behind the mic on air and on stage from Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore.
- A public viewing and funeral for Blavat will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. "All are welcome," his family said.
Jerry Blavat -- known for his eight decades on Philadelphia radio and beyond as “The Geator with the Heater" and "The Big Boss with the Hot Sauce" -- has died at 82.
"The Boss with the Hot Sauce is with the Big Boss Now," Blavat's family said in a statement released to the news media Friday, Jan. 20.
Blavat died from myasthenia gravis and related health issues early Friday morning at VITAS Inpatient Hospice at Jefferson-Methodist Hospital, his family said in the statement. A source close to Blavat's family first confirmed his death to NBC10.
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You can watch the funeral for Blavat at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City via the link here beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 28.
"We know how much he was loved by you, his loyal fans and friends, and we know the 'Geator' will live on in our hearts forever," the family statement said. "But for us, our grief is truly indescribable in losing the man we’ll forever call 'Daddy.'"
"Jerry proudly said, 'Life is precious, and I am happy. And when I am happy, I want the world to be happy.' So he lived life to the fullest and enjoyed sharing life with all of you.
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"His love for Philadelphia only superseded his love of music. He was proud of this great city, and nothing made him prouder than the impact the music from Philadelphia made on the world."
Blavat was a South Philadelphia native and known -- especially among a generation of Oldies music fans -- for appearances behind the mic and on stages as the life of the party from Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore.
Blavat's career as a DJ and dance host began in the 1950s and continued into this decade. His first gig was as a dancer on the original "Bandstand" in 1953, according to a biography released by his family. He then managed the Doo Wop group Danny and the Juniors and was comedian Don Rickles' valet before the end of the 1950s.
His big break on the airwaves came in 1960 when he began spinning records at Camden’s WCAM-AM.
Along the way he became friends with music legends Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
He had a performance featuring music of the 1950s and 60s set to happen on the Kimmel Cultural Campus next weekend, but that event was recently postponed.
He was a mainstay at his beloved Memories Margate at the Jersey Shore -- where a bouquet of roses was left Friday morning -- and in recent years at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of a member of our Live! family, Philly legend Jerry Blavat," Live! Casino spokesperson Carmen Gonzales said in a statement. "He was a mainstay on the Live! entertainment calendar, never failing to bring joy to our guests and Team Members with his energy, enthusiasm, smile and great music. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and multitude of fans during this very difficult time."
Blavat was enshrined in the the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame and into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's Hall of Fame. He was also recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Just last year, Blavat remembered his longtime musical friend Bobby Rydell after Rydell died.
"Where are the new Bobby Rydells?" asked Blavat at the time.
Now people are left asking if there will ever be anyone else like Jerry Blavat.
A funeral is planned in Philadelphia.
"Jerry wished for a big celebration of life," his family said. "A big one is planned, and all are welcome. We will gather on Saturday, January 28, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA). A viewing will begin at 9 a.m., with mass scheduled at 11:30 a.m."
Blavat leaves behind daughters Kathi Furia (Robert), Geraldine Blavat, Stacy Braglia and Deserie Downey; grandchildren Samantha Rodden, Kristina Furia, Joseph Downey, Frankie Braglia, and Jeffrey Smullen; and five great-grand-children. Blavat is also survived by Rosalie (Keely) Stahl, his partner of over three decades.
His family hopes people share the joy Blavat brought to their lives.
"Please continue to share your memories of Jerry," they said. "We are enjoying them. He loved all of you."
In lieu of flowers, his family asked for people to to donate to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts' Jerry Blavat Endowed Fund, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
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