Jerry Augustus, a retired restaurateur and computer programmer for the City of Philadelphia’s Water Department, died Sunday, January 31, 2016 after a long illness. He was 83.
Born in Philadelphia, Jerry was the son of the late Dennis and Lela (Dialismas) Augustus. Jerry attended Drexel University where he was a member of the Lambda Epsilon Kappa Fraternity.
Jerry is survived his wife of almost 57 years, Aphrodite (Zervou) Augustus and his sister, Dr. Amelia Augustus. Jerry and Aphrodite have been residents of The Philadelphian for twelve years.
As a teenager, he was a member of the choir of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Extremely active in Greek organizations, he was national president of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America and national president of Epsilon Phi Sigma, the Greek college students association. Jerry was a successful restaurateur; he ran his father’s establishment, Dennis’ Cafe in Germantown which was open from 1932 to 1970. He later owned and operated Frank Clements Tavern, Zorba’s Tavern and The Upstairs Cafe.
When he became totally blind in his mid forties, Jerry attended the University of Pennsylvania to be trained as a computer programmer, even though he had never seen a computer. After graduating, Jerry worked as a computer programmer in the City of Philadelphia’s Water Department for ten years. His good nature, sharp wit and keen sense of humor will be missed by all that knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday at 10:00 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 256 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107. His Requiem Services will be sung at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Fernwood Cemetery, Lansdowne, PA.
Contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to: Associated Services for the Blind, 919 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.