VIRGINIA BEACH – Gerald Coleman Jaffe – who friends called Jerry and family called Pop – passed away peacefully at home on January 6.
Jerry was the youngest of Rachel and Solomon Jaffe’s nine children. In his wonderful 96 years, Jerry shared 70 anniversaries with his college sweetheart, Jean (Mimi). He was most proud of their three children, Susan (Alan), Ross (Eve), and Ellen (Tom), six grandchildren, Sarah (Derek), Eric (Kristen), Jenny (Dan), River, Julia, and Rachel, and his great grandson, Emmett.
After graduating from Suffolk High School, Jerry served a short time in the Army and then attended William and Mary. Following graduation in 1950, Jerry returned to his hometown to run the family business, Suffolk Packing Company. For almost 40 years, Jerry worked tirelessly to provide the highest quality meats to his customers, while treating his employees like family.
Jerry earned his pilot’s license when he was 16 and also enjoyed boating. He was active in the Suffolk Rotary Club and a local legend in the tennis community.
In retirement, Jerry and Jean moved to Virginia Beach, where they created a beautiful home for welcoming their many friends and family – the door was always open. Pop loved playing with his grandchildren in the surf and sand, fishing with his gill net, and cooking with the fresh hauls from his garden. He also loved tennis, especially the years on the east court at Cape Henry Racquet Club with his dear tennis buddies, and played until his early 90s.
In the words of family and friends, Pop was THE BEST. He embodied all the goodness in the world with his kind and gentle nature. He lived life with patience and understanding. His strength was his soft-spoken wisdom, reminding us to be good to each other and get along.
He spoke slowly and clearly and told you what he thought and how he felt. He nurtured those around him, loved unconditionally, and gave generously. When Pop embraced you with a hug and kiss, you felt love and goodness pour out of his heart and into your soul.
Pop was truly a gentleman. He taught us that doing right by others was what mattered most.
Pop lived with grace and humility. He was grateful to the very end, thanking his family and caregivers every day for being here and helping him.
Thank YOU, Pop, for the immense joy you’ve brought to this world. Because of you, life is “more better.” Your beautiful, magnificent spirit is in all of us.
A graveside service was held at B’nai Israel Cemetery.
Donations to Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center or Westminster-Canterbury Hospice.
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.