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Jay H. Lipson, 92, real estate broker and appraiser

Jay H. Lipson, 92, of Garnet Valley, a real estate broker and appraiser in the Philadelphia region for a half-century, died of cancer Sunday, Dec. 9, at his home.

Jay H. Lipson
Jay H. LipsonRead more

Jay H. Lipson, 92, of Garnet Valley, a real estate broker and appraiser in the Philadelphia region for a half-century, died of cancer Sunday, Dec. 9, at his home.

Mr. Lipson was a self-employed Realtor for many years. In 1950, he opened his first real estate office in West Philadelphia, often showing homes on nights and weekends.

His second office was in Upper Darby. He earned certification in real estate appraisal and became one of the area's first to pursue that specialty, his family said.

He taught real estate and appraisal courses at Temple University and Pennsylvania State University, and educational programs sponsored by the Delaware County Real Estate Board, and had a long record of service with real estate organizations in the area, his family said.

Mr. Lipson was devoted to his wife, the former Charlotte Deitch. The two met while at Temple. He wrote her love letters throughout their married life, and the couple renewed their vows in 2011 after 60 years together. They loved to travel.

"She often joked that she knew she married the right man because he was so good to his mother," his family said.

Mr. Lipson grew up in Southwest Philadelphia during the Depression. His parents, Louis and Ida, built up Lipson's Delicatessen at 52d Street and Warrington Avenue.

As a boy, he helped out by selling Christmas trees, teaching himself bookkeeping, ordering for his family's store, and working as a tennis instructor. His father and older brother died when he was young.

Mr. Lipson graduated in 1939 from West Philadelphia High School and from Temple in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree in business.

A Navy veteran of World War II, Mr. Lipson worked at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1941 and 1942, helping build the New Jersey and Wisconsin.

From 1944 to 1946, he served with the Army in Europe and the Pacific.

"He displayed the American flag proudly for every holiday, and hated to miss a parade," his family said.

At various times, Mr. Lipson was president of a B'nai B'rith chapter, president of the Lynnewood Park Civic Association, and a Mason.

Mr. Lipson was also a painter, completing 50 works in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. He was a Philadelphia sports fan and held Phillies season tickets for the last 32 years.

Funeral services have been held. Interment was at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

at 215-854-2611 or bcook@phillynews.com.