Jere Estes

Jere Estes, 80, of Charleston, South Carolina,  passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 2, 2022. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to Richard and Leonora Estes, and graduated from Gettysburg College in 1965 with a degree in Economics. He earned an MBA from Drexel University. Since 1978, he has held the professional designation of Chartered Financial Analyst and was a member of the Philadelphia Financial Analysts Society, the Financial Analyst Federation, and the Philadelphia Securities Association.

Jere was much more than his accomplishments; he was a man of great faith, heart and integrity, and his actions flowed naturally. If you knew him professionally, you would be impressed. If you knew him personally, you would feel inspiration and affection. Jere’s strong sense of gratitude prompted his philanthropic instincts. As an advocate for neglected and abused children, he was a major supporter of Robins’ Nest Inc. in Glassboro, New Jersey. As a result, the children’s agency recognized Jere in 2018 as the first recipient of its Distinguished Philanthropy Award. Since graduating from Gettysburg College, Jere and his wife Angela faithfully supported their alma mater, including establishment of an endowed scholarship. Their names can be seen on the college’s Benefactor Wall.

Professionally, Jere started his career working as a financial analyst and portfolio manager for the Trust Department of First Pennsylvania Bank, Philadelphia. Jere then joined the US Navy for four years from 1968 to 1972, during which he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. After his discharge, he returned to the bank where he held several positions, including vice president. Then in 1988, he became the Chief Investment Officer for the Trust Department at Bryn Mawr Trust in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In 1992, he joined the management team of Sovereign Investors Fund, a John Hancock Mutual Funds management subsidiary. In 1999, he returned to Bryn Mawr Trust as Senior Vice-President. Then he joined two former business associates to form Dividend Assets Capital, LLC., a financial advisory firm and mutual fund in Ridgeland, South Carolina. He was the Chief Investment Officer for the partnership and remained there until his retirement in 2017.

While a member of Haddonfield United Methodist Church in New Jersey, he chaired the Finance Committee and led two successful capital campaigns, raising close to $5 million. At Church of the Palms in Okatie, South Carolina, he volunteered for numerous projects, including chair of the Finance Committee. A nature lover, Jere became a Master Naturalist. He volunteered for the Ecology Committee at Callawassie Island as a blue bird box monitor and a tallow tree eradication project member. He loved hiking, bird watching and gardening.

Angela Gravino Estes, Jere’s devoted wife of 57 years, will hold in her heart the memory of a man who never tried to control her and always sought to affirm her and her life work. She attributes many of her accomplishments to his encouragement and support. Jere will be greatly missed by his sons, of whom he was very proud. Eric Estes of Providence, Rhode Island, continues his parents’ service ethic; he is Vice President for Campus Life at Brown University. Christopher Estes of Elkton, Maryland, served four years in the US Army and seven years in the Army National Guard. His career has spanned from diesel mechanics to industrial plant maintenance. He is a hard worker and a devoted father to his son Colin Estes who lives with him and keeps his other children Samantha, Erin and Nathan in his heart. Jere was also loved by his many nieces and nephews. Jere’s family will be ever thankful for loving friends and the compassionate care provided by the Bishop Gadsden Health Care Center employees and Lutheran Hospice.

A Celebration of Jere’s Life will be held at The Chapel at Bishop Gadsden, on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Employee Appreciation Fund at Bishop Gadsden, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412.