Norfolk — Jerry David Baydush, 75, peacefully died on May 30, 2014 after a devastating illness.
He was a very kind, attentive, and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, brother, and friend. He was a hard working well-regarded businessman and lifelong supporter of Norfolk Academy, from which he graduated in 1957. He remained close with his graduating class through his final days. He played football and basketball for Norfolk Academy. He then attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he also played football.
He married Joan Bass in September 1963 and had two children in the following years. Words cannot possibly express how special a husband he was to his forever sweetheart Joanie. They catered to each other with love and respect and were always at each other’s side and in each other’s heart. They were best friends and spouses.
He was a doting father and grandfather who cherished his son Alan Baydush, his late daughter Helen Baydush Kehayas Verhulst, and his grandsons Alexander Kehayas and Aidan Baydush. They were treasures to him beyond words and the lights of his life. He adored Alan’s wife, Lori Tebbets Baydush, as he would an actual daughter.
His parents, Marion and Junius Baydush, predeceased him, as did his brother Fred Baydush.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted sister Libby Baydush Furst, her husband Mark Furst, and his siblings Robin Feldman Kyle, Brian Feldman, and Howard Feldman and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews on both sides, and many friends.
Jerry lived almost his entire life in Norfolk until moving to Lewisville, N.C. after his retirement in 2013. He consistently had a deep interest in spirituality and helped guide his grandsons towards Torah and Judaism. Jerry was a skilled craftsman, gifted chef, and hobbyist with a very strong love of family. He consistently developed friendships wherever he went, even in his final days. While often a man of few words, he let his actions speak loudly for his heart and passion.
Graveside services were held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg. Additional remarks were added by Rabbi Mark Strauss-Cohn.
Memorial donations to Ohef Sholom Temple, 530 Raleigh Ave, Norfolk or Temple Emanuel, 201 Oakwood Dr, Winston- Salem, NC, 27103 or the charity of one`s choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at hdoliver.com.