Jerry Jung, 80, stockbroker
Jerry Jung, 80, of West Chester, a longtime stockbroker in Philadelphia, died Sunday, Oct. 18, of congestive heart failure at Paoli Hospital.
Jerry Jung, 80, of West Chester, a longtime stockbroker in Philadelphia, died Sunday, Oct. 18, of congestive heart failure at Paoli Hospital.
Mr. Jung was born in Port Richmond, the fourth of eight children of Chinese immigrant parents.
He worked as a boy in his parents' hand laundry business at a time when starched shirts and curtains were the rage. Warmed by a potbelly stove, the family lived in a one-room apartment above the laundry.
"Living in such close quarters with nine other people, Jerry learned to appreciate everything he had and to work hard for everything he wanted," his family said. "Jerry succeeded despite any obstacle placed in front of him. He lived his American dream."
After graduating from Frankford High School in 1953, he served two years in the Army in Europe. On returning home, Mr. Jung worked at Edgcomb Steel days while attending La Salle College at night.
For seven years he worked and studied, often not getting home until 1 a.m. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance.
Mr. Jung started out as a stockbroker at Paine Webber and moved to Janney Montgomery Scott L.L.C., where he stayed for 40 years. He never retired.
Mr. Jung loved news and sports. He read four or five newspapers on the train to and from work and two or three on weekends. His favorite spectator sport was Penn State football, an activity he shared with his daughter, Melissa W., during and after her time as a student at Pennsylvania State University.
Analytical during the day, he cooked at night as a creative outlet. "He would often spend up to two hours in the kitchen to prepare meals," his family said.
In his 30s, Mr. Jung learned to play tennis and to ski, to stay active and meet new people. He met Sara Ann Warren at a Main Line Ski Club event. They married in 1972 and reared two children in Norristown. Later, the couple moved to West Chester.
Although a fiercely independent and determined man, he had a soft side when it came to family. He helped put his youngest sister, Wan Yin, through college. After his children were born, he took every opportunity to support them. He attended most of their sporting events and videotaped all of Melissa Jung's lacrosse games.
Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by a daughter Jennifer W.; two grandchildren; two brothers; and four sisters.
A viewing starting at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, is to be followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at the D'Anjolell Memorial Home of Malvern/Frazer, 392 Lancaster Ave., Frazer. Interment is in Whitemarsh Memorial Park.
Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Box 758517, Topeka, Kan. 66675.
610-313-8102