PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — “Your love is forever etched on my heart and soul,” said Jerry Blavat’s daughter, Stacy.
Friends, family, loved ones and admirers of Philly’s legendary DJ came together Saturday, filling the pews for Blavat’s celebration of life at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on 18th Street.
It started at 11 a.m. with words of remembrance from Blavat’s two daughters, Deserie and Stacy.
Deserie, Blavat’s youngest daughter, said saying goodbye to her dad was one of the hardest things she had to do or will ever have to do.
“My dad was my protector, my shining light and my hero,” she said. “He was always there for me no matter what.”
She noted how incredibly important his job was to him, saying he was able to follow his passion of music and make so many people happy.
“When I hear certain songs, I smile and I know the joy he has brought not only to me but others as well.”
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Deserie said her dad didn't tell her how to live, he lived and let her watch him do it.
Stacy read a letter she wrote to her dad on Christmas in 2019, which he requested she read at his funeral.
She opened with hoping everyone could see him through her eyes and recalled the many times she would call her dad while he was busy at work and he would take the time out of his day to talk with her.
“For the umpteen times that you were doing a radio show when you would take my call when I needed you – you were always there for me talking me off the ledge, always.”
She also reflected on her childhood, saying how much she would cry and miss her dad as he pulled out of the driveway in his car to go to work.
“You brought so much sunshine and joy into the house and when you were not there, I felt the void. Truly, you had been that sunshine for me my entire life.”
Singer Dionne Warwick gave Blavat’s eulogy. She said she first met the Geater with the Heater in 1962 while performing her first record at his “sock hop.”
“Jerry was one of a kind,” Warwick said. “I've never met anybody like him and don't think I ever will.”
She added that knowing him made her who she is. “Jerry championed Dionne Warwick.”
Warwick concluded the eulogy by saying he’s up in heaven dancing, making people laugh and feel good.
City representative Shiela Hess spoke on behalf of former Gov. Ed Rendell and gave a tribute letter to the family from the mayor.
She said they lowered the flags half-staff on behalf of the city to recognize Blavat on this day of remembrance.
Blavat’s girlfriend Keely Stahl said she is appreciative of Blavat’s fans because they gave him the life he wanted.
Stahl said before he died on Jan. 20, he told her he is never leaving her. She feels his presence is still there.
“He said, ‘I'm here,’ and I didn't realize it ‘till I saw his body and he doesn't look anything like that body anymore … And I realized he's really here. He's been giving me messages all week.”
As the service came to an end, the Quaker City String Band played Vera Lynn’s “We'll Meet Again” outside of the church.
“I have the best father in the world … and, as he would say, ‘Keep on rocking,’ cause you do only rock once,” Deserie said.