Obituary for Jerome V. Aiena
Jerome V. Aiena, aka, Jerry Jaye of Philadelphia, PA, died on Monday, November 29, 2021 at the Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home. He was 94.
Jerry Jaye was born Girolamo Aiena on July 19, 1927 in South Philadelphia to the late Antonio Aiena and Giovanna (Jennie) Lobiondo.
Jerry began his music career at an early age beginning with playing the drums. He soon found his talent at playing the piano and singing. His musical career was put on a temporary pause while Jerry served honorably in the US Army Department of Special Services, entertaining the troops and earning the prestigious American Campaign and World War 2 Victory medals.
After serving his country Jerry and his friend Phil formed the Jaye Brothers in 1955 and entertained in music venues around Philadelphia such as Palumbo’s and The Erie Social Club. They also entertained abroad. They were a musical team for almost 20 years.
After that wonderful adventure, Jerry went solo in his music career. He was a vocal coach and he continued entertaining in Philly at the Southwark Club, Ruhling’s Seafood Restaurant and various other Philadelphia area venues. He was also a long term member of the St. Martin of Tours, Philadelphia, PA choir and lead vocalist for numerous church related functions. He soon landed a position as the house piano player at the Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA where he developed many special friendships with the members. Jerry loved to get the people involved in the music. He always had the folks come up to the piano and sing or dance while he accompanied them. He brought so much joy to everyone! He retired from the Aronimink at the tender age of 90.
In the sunset of his life and while a resident of Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home in Warrington, PA Jerry continued his musical legacy. He was a regular, recurring performer during the Friday afternoon happy hour. His music, talent and good will was especially comforting to residents and staff during the COVID crisis and associated visitation restrictions. He was affectionately known to all at Neshaminy Manor as the "Piano Man". Throughout his entire life he used his musical talent to tirelessly entertain friends, family and strangers adding music and happiness to their lives. To quote another famous Piano Man, Billy Joel, Jerry lived his life with the belief that "If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time".
Beloved husband of the late Elinor (Grzywacz) Aiena; he is survived by his son, Anthony, and his four daughters, Kris and her husband Jeff; Geraldine and her husband Jim; Mary Ellen and her husband Bob; Michele and her husband Jim. He is the beloved Grandfather of 9 grandchildren, Kamille and Jeffery, Alexandra and Victoria, Robert, Emily and Catharine, James and Michael; and 10 great grandchildren, Elleˊ and Savannah, Lea, Eric, Adelyn and Kayla, Charlotte and Connor, Luke and Nora. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Alice Gangemi and her daughter Kristen.
A viewing will be held at the Varcoe-Thomas Funeral Home, 344 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a service. A private interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be forwarded to the Neshaminy Manor Welfare Fund, 1660 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976. Jerry’s family would like to recognize the tireless efforts and wonderful care provided by the Neshaminy Manor staff and the Caring Hospice team as well.
Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com
Jerry Jaye was born Girolamo Aiena on July 19, 1927 in South Philadelphia to the late Antonio Aiena and Giovanna (Jennie) Lobiondo.
Jerry began his music career at an early age beginning with playing the drums. He soon found his talent at playing the piano and singing. His musical career was put on a temporary pause while Jerry served honorably in the US Army Department of Special Services, entertaining the troops and earning the prestigious American Campaign and World War 2 Victory medals.
After serving his country Jerry and his friend Phil formed the Jaye Brothers in 1955 and entertained in music venues around Philadelphia such as Palumbo’s and The Erie Social Club. They also entertained abroad. They were a musical team for almost 20 years.
After that wonderful adventure, Jerry went solo in his music career. He was a vocal coach and he continued entertaining in Philly at the Southwark Club, Ruhling’s Seafood Restaurant and various other Philadelphia area venues. He was also a long term member of the St. Martin of Tours, Philadelphia, PA choir and lead vocalist for numerous church related functions. He soon landed a position as the house piano player at the Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA where he developed many special friendships with the members. Jerry loved to get the people involved in the music. He always had the folks come up to the piano and sing or dance while he accompanied them. He brought so much joy to everyone! He retired from the Aronimink at the tender age of 90.
In the sunset of his life and while a resident of Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home in Warrington, PA Jerry continued his musical legacy. He was a regular, recurring performer during the Friday afternoon happy hour. His music, talent and good will was especially comforting to residents and staff during the COVID crisis and associated visitation restrictions. He was affectionately known to all at Neshaminy Manor as the "Piano Man". Throughout his entire life he used his musical talent to tirelessly entertain friends, family and strangers adding music and happiness to their lives. To quote another famous Piano Man, Billy Joel, Jerry lived his life with the belief that "If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time".
Beloved husband of the late Elinor (Grzywacz) Aiena; he is survived by his son, Anthony, and his four daughters, Kris and her husband Jeff; Geraldine and her husband Jim; Mary Ellen and her husband Bob; Michele and her husband Jim. He is the beloved Grandfather of 9 grandchildren, Kamille and Jeffery, Alexandra and Victoria, Robert, Emily and Catharine, James and Michael; and 10 great grandchildren, Elleˊ and Savannah, Lea, Eric, Adelyn and Kayla, Charlotte and Connor, Luke and Nora. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Alice Gangemi and her daughter Kristen.
A viewing will be held at the Varcoe-Thomas Funeral Home, 344 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a service. A private interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be forwarded to the Neshaminy Manor Welfare Fund, 1660 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976. Jerry’s family would like to recognize the tireless efforts and wonderful care provided by the Neshaminy Manor staff and the Caring Hospice team as well.
Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com