Leonard M. Minus, electronics entrepreneur, church leader, teacher, and mentor, has died at 75

Jan. 5—Leonard M. Minus, 75, of Philadelphia, notable organization operator for far more than a few a long time, church leader, instructor, and mentor, died Monday, Dec. 12, of pulmonary hypertension and coronary heart failure at Lankenau Clinical Middle.

The operator and operator of Jay Bee Radio on Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia from 1985 to 2019, Mr. Minus, affectionately referred to as JayBee by pals and fellow company homeowners, was a mainstay on the hectic 4400 block of Lancaster Avenue. He not only bought, installed, and fixed TVs, seem techniques, vehicle radios, computer systems, and other electronics for 34 yrs, he collaborated with other business owners about community growth and used quite a few youthful persons in the city’s summer perform application.

His affable identity, open up-doorway plan about business enterprise chances, and commitment to his church and local community made him well-known in whichever circle he was moving. “I’ll usually keep on to those discussions you would have with me about life and adore,” a mate mentioned in a Fb tribute.

He advocated integrity and individual independence, and his motto was: “Be your very own manager, and you can make your personal procedures.” His daughter Arlene Minus-Johnson mentioned: “He preferred persons to figure items out for on their own. Get a e book. Go on the internet. Do it on your own.”

Mr. Minus first labored for Jack Wide, the founder of Jay Bee Radio, as an 18-calendar year-old in 1965. He purchased the enterprise when Wide retired in 1985 and afterwards procured two additional qualities on the block that operated above the several years as a cafe, water ice shop, gift store, laptop or computer retail outlet, and other enterprises.

Drawn to young persons and anyone who wished to increase, he also worked as a laptop and electronics teacher at Lincoln Technical Institute and in other places. “He inspired every person to be at the desk and be a leader,” mentioned his daughter Tracy Wilcox. “He was a dilemma solver who also wanted to make it materialize for a person else.”

Minus-Johnson claimed: “He required to impart the worth of doing work challenging.”

Mr. Minus joined Unity Temple Worship Center in 1993 and served as deacon, trustee, and on the board of directors. He grew to become a member of Restoration Station Christian Fellowship in 2011 and was a deacon and making manager, and associated with several committees and the youth fellowship.

“Simple and very simple, Deacon Minus was 1 of a kind,” a person of his pastors at Restoration Station said in a tribute. Another pastor claimed: “You had been so humble, hardworking, and willing to show up. … You experienced so a lot wisdom and tips for me, and I respect the tiny chat and the laughs.”

Born March 5, 1947, Leonard Monroe Minus grew up in North Philadelphia and graduated from Murrell Dobbins Career and Complex Instruction High University. He afterwards earned an associate diploma at Local community Higher education of Philadelphia and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Temple University’s night university.

He grew up following door to Doris Louis, and they married in 1965, lived in West Oak Lane, and had daughters Arlene and Tracy and son Leonard II. He also had son Keith Thompson.

A tireless volunteer, Mr. Minus served getaway meals at local nursing houses and directed Easter egg hunts and other actions for community small children. He liked to host major dinners on Thanksgiving, and his family members usually envisioned anything to be overcooked as he tended to doze off during preparations ahead of they arrived.

He was a championship bowler and longtime member of a citizens band radio club. He favored jazz new music and line dancing, traveled approximately each individual yr to visit household in North Carolina and South Carolina, and appreciated getaway visits to Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

He was robbed and shot at his retail outlet in 1997 but refused to abandon his consumers and fellow small business owners. He eventually retired and sold his qualities in 2019. In a tribute, his loved ones reported: “Leonard usually imparted daily life lessons to all he fulfilled.”

In addition to his spouse and kids, Mr. Minus is survived by eight grandchildren, four good-grandchildren, 3 brothers, a sister, and other kin. 3 brothers and a sister died before.

A celebration of his life was held Dec. 21.

Donations in his title may well be manufactured to Restoration Station Christian Fellowship, 4313 Route 130 S., Park Plaza, Suite A-6, Edgewater Park, N.J. 08010.

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