Jack Simmons Salta, artist, civic leader

JACK SIMMONS Salta packed a lot of creativity in a life shortened by years of suffering from AIDS.

His life was a true profile in courage as he battled the debilitating disease and the side effects from the medication that was developed to prolong the lives of its sufferers.

He died Feb. 21 at age 49. He had lived in Center City for more than 20 years, and recently in North Philadelphia.

Jack was a man of many talents with a passion for the arts, as well as a civic leader working with the homeless, fellow AIDS sufferers and other needy people in the Center City area.

Among his many accomplishments were painting, jewelry design, songwriting, singing and interior designing. He also was proficient on the guitar and piano.

"Jack sought to create beauty in everything he touched," said his sister, Victoria Salta Jordan. "His wonderful sense of humor and acerbic wit are legendary among his friends and family members."

He was born and raised on Long Island, N.Y., the son of Priscilla Simmons, a special-education and voice teacher, and Jack Salta Sr., a businessman.

"From early childhood, Jack demonstrated brilliance in academics and the arts," his sister said.

He followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, where he received commendations for outstanding performance as a dental technician.

While still in the Navy, Jack moved to Philadelphia to study at Villanova University's College of Commerce and Finance. He graduated in 1986.

He took a job as a dental technician at a dental office in Center City in 1983 while still in school. Because of his administrative skills, he was promoted to treatment coordinator and assistant office manager, spending 10 years at the busy office.

Jack then went on to become executive director of Washington Square West Neighbors, a community organization working for the needy, including the homeless, and with city agencies in development projects. He also was active in procuring grant money for AIDS patients.

Jack was diagnosed with HIV in 1985 at age 26.

Eventually, he could no longer hold down a full-time job. "His new 'job' became surviving AIDS and the side effects of retroviral medications," his sister said.

Jack sang and entertained at weddings. His family cherishes his jewelry designs and hopes to interest jewelry makers in them.

He never worked professionally as a decorator, but skillfully restyled a friend's office, using his artistic flair.

In addition to his parents and sister, Jack is survived by his step-mother, Carol Ryan Salta, and a beloved nephew, Bradley Sebastian Jordan.

Services: Memorial service 11:30 a.m. April 18 at University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St., West Philadelphia. A social gathering will begin at 11 a.m. *