This story originally appeared on 6abc.
Thousands of people filled the pews at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on Saturday to lay beloved DJ Jerry Blavat to rest.
“My man, pots and pans, claps your hands, clap your hands. We are united today with those words,” said former Action News anchor Jim Gardner, reading a letter from the Kimmel family.
Blavat was known as “the Geator with the Heater” and “the Boss with the Hot Sauce.” He brought generations together through his music.
His funeral was meant to be a celebration of life.
“He planned it. He planned the whole thing. This is exactly what he wanted, he wanted a celebration,” said Phyllis Kaminski, the sister of Blavat’s longtime partner, Keely.
Iconic singer Dionne Warwick delivered the eulogy in front of a packed crowd. Some in the audience were his closest friends.
“He just had such a wonderful soul and that joy that he brought out with his music and his radio station was pure,” said Heather Acard, another sister of Keely.
Others who attended were fans who felt a deep connection to him.
“He was just so fun. When we went to his dances and stuff, he was just a regular kind of guy. He’d be out there dancing with us,” said Sandy Moore from Levittown.
Armed with memories, the masses came out to celebrate the beloved DJ.
“They say legends never die and he’s not. He’s DJing in heaven right now. He’s probably turn-tabling and dancing around,” said James Dougherty from Roxborough.
Blavat passed away on Friday, January 20.
He was 82 years old.
“Thank you again for all of the kindness and shared thoughts over the past several days. We have heard from so many who loved Jerry as much as we did,” his family said in a statement on earlier this week. “We appreciate all of the prayers, love, support and memories – oh, those memories.”