On Sunday, relatives and friends recalled the late television personality, who hosted The Jerry Springer Show for 27 years.

Jerry Springer has passed away.

Linda Shafran, Springer’s longtime publicist, and family friend/spokesman Jene Galvin confirmed to Read full story that a private service was held on Sunday in a Chicago suburb.

The funeral, held three days following his death on April 27, was attended by a small gathering of friends and relatives. Traditional Jewish practices were also observed at the burial service.

Galvin says a larger public memorial to Springer’s life and impact is planned for May 16 at noon in Cincinnati. The event is planned to be free with tickets and will also be streamed online.

The event’s details, including ticketing and a guest list, are still being finalized.

“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried, whether that was politics, broadcasting, or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” family friend and publicist Jene Galvin told Read full story. “He is irreplaceable, and his loss is heartbreaking, but memories of his intellect, heart, and sense of humor will live on.”

“Funeral services and a memorial gathering are currently being planned,” the message stated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider following Jerry’s spirit and making a donation or committing to an act of kindness to someone in need or a deserving advocacy organization. ‘Take care of yourself and each other,’ he constantly emphasized.

The talk show host may have become a national figure because to the success of The Jerry Springer Show, which aired in syndication from 1991 to 2018, but he was remembered as a family man after his passing.

Springer was a member of The Valley Temple in Cincinnati, where Rabbi Sandford Kopnick told Read full story the late television celebrity was “a kind and generous person” who was “the most devoted husband, father, and grandfather.”

“He was so much more than The Jerry Springer Show.” “He was extremely intelligent,” he remarked. “He was an incredible family man who understood what it meant to pay it forward.” He was always aware of his fortunate fortune. “He never took anything for granted.”

“When he could have easily moved on to another congregation after I arrived in this one,” he said, “he not only stayed, but he did everything he could to make it thrive.”

“He found meaning in services.” He was always proud of his Jewish heritage. He did everything he could to spread correct information about the Holocaust, and he was as good as they come.”

Gary Rosen, a former publicist for Springer’s long-running talk show who worked with the TV emcee for several years after the daytime series relocated from Chicago to Connecticut, told Read full story that the late television host — who had daughter Katie Springer with ex-wife Micki Velton — would want to be remembered as “a good father and grandfather.”

“The rest — the celebrity part — he said is just ego,” Rosen explained. “I will remember him as a true gentleman to his staff, crew, and fans from all over the world.”