Jerry Plavin, who made deals for decades at Levittown appliance store, has died

Jerry Plavin, a Lower Bucks County appliance dealer whose flashy Vegas-style marquee was a landmark on Route 13 in Levittown for decades, died on July 15. He was 84 and had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, according to his obituary.

Plavin was a savvy entrepreneur who engaged the public by guaranteeing his deals couldn't be beat, selling, promoting slightly damaged, discounted appliances with his "Dent Depot" and would create mystery by covering the large, plate glass windows within his store to have a "secret sale."

He became a favorite for Levittowners, some who chose to do business only with him.

A Navy veteran and a Penn State University graduate of the Class of 1961, he worked as a manager for his father, Leon Plavin, who owned Auto Boys in Bristol, where he learned the art of publicity. If it snowed, Leon Plavin would get a call through to a chat show on WBCB, the local radio station, to promote snow tires.

Once, in the early days of Levittown, Auto Boys hosted "Bandstand" at the store, before it went national and became "American Bandstand."

Jerry inherited his father's savvy. When a deep economic recession struck Bucks County in the early 1980s, he gave discounts to people who had lost their jobs.

"It's good business and a good public service," he said in a 1982 interview.

A lifetime baseball fan, he once got Hank Aaron to visit his Levittown location, an event "that packed the store," according to his obituary.

"A world traveler who was once personally invited by the President of Sony Corporation to visit their headquarters in Japan, Jerry would often say his favorite place was the condo he once owned in Ventnor, New Jersey where he could watch the sun rise and grandchildren play," according to the tribute. "He was a most beloved and caring husband and father. He ran his business as he lived his life, a life filled with the joy of being alive, the love of family and friends and the sweetness and happiness he found everywhere. He was beautiful inside as well as out. We shall remember him with love and gratitude."

When his obit was posted to social media, scores of people wrote condolences.

"My parents bought everything from Jerry many years ago! First color tv and first air conditioner. My Dad loved haggling with him. God rest his soul," a woman said.

"Rest in Peace, Mr. Plavin. My husband and I always bought our appliances from him. He was always informative, kind and pleasant," another wrote.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl, and brothers Jules and Stan, his children Lori Salganicoff, Jody Sciamanna, Ben and Matt, and five grandchildren.

A service was held on July 21 at Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Suburgan North in Southampton, followed by a luncheon at Ann's Choice Retirement Community, where he died. The family requests donations to the Ann’s Choice Benevolent Fund.

JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.