Silver Circle

A Legacy Of Love For The Jewish Faith

Lawrence (Larry) Leonard Jaffe passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Larry was cared for by his loving and devoted wife, Barbara, while battling illness for the past two years. He was born on September 19, 1932, in St. Augustine, FL, where he excelled in sports, eventually playing baseball for the University of Florida, and graduating with a degree in accounting.

Larry was a devoted patriot and served in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict. After his service, Larry moved to Jacksonville and began a distinguished career as a CPA. He continued practicing accounting until the very end. Larry’s love for sports was legendary. As Chairman of the Jacksonville Sports and Entertainment Commission in the 1980’s, Larry led the initial effort to bring an NFL team to our city. Once we were awarded the Jaguars, Larry was a loyal fan, attending every game possible until his health prevented him. Larry also loved his Florida Gators, and was a football season ticket holder since he graduated in the 1950’s. On UF game days, he would often visit the Pi Lamda Phi house, where he was a proud member since college.

Larry’s love for life and commitment to his Jewish faith were reflected in everything he did. There were many organizations that benefited from Larry’s generosity. While Larry was a loyal member of the Jacksonville Jewish Center for his entire adult life, he never forgot Congregation Sons of Israel in St. Augustine, where Larry’s father, Max, served as a lay rabbi for decades.

He served as an officer of the Jacksonville Jewish Center. This past September, on Larry’s 90th birthday, he gave a gift to the First Sons of Israel Congregation to ensure that the funding was in place to keep a rabbi on staff. Larry grew up living steps away from the congregation in St. Augustine and held it close to his heart all of his life. He was a longtime member of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s Silver Circle, and was deeply committed to Jewish life in Northeast Florida through philanthropy. Larry was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida, where he attained the supreme honor as a 33rd degree Mason.

Family came first for Larry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max &

Libbie Jaffe; his sister, Diana Bailey; and his granddaughter, Lauren. He is survived by his faithful wife of 43 years, Barbara; his children, Andrea, Daren (Jamie), Bradley, & Sandy (Lynn); grandchildren, Garrett (Jennifer), Joshua, Brooke, Samantha, Leah & Sophia.

A graveside service was officiated by Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner on January 31, 2023. Donations in memory of Larry can be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Congregation Sons of Israel (St. Augustine, FL), or River Garden Hebrew Home.