The Butcher and Barkeep in Lower Salford Township will be closed on Wednesday as employees and owners mourn the sudden passing of Gerard Angelini, a founding partner of the restaurant and a beloved member of the community.
“With great sadness, we must announce the sudden passing of our dear friend and founding partner, Gerard Angelini. He was a friend to many and a loving father to his beloved Scarlett. He will be greatly missed,” the restaurant shared in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday morning.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew Gerard, reflecting on his kindness, warmth, and impact on the local restaurant scene.
“Absolutely gut-wrenched. Gerard was such a friend to me and my dad back in the early Butcher days. I shared a lot of laughs and good beers with him at that bar. His poor daughter. Prayers for her and all who knew and loved him,” wrote Kevin Wasson.
“He was always welcoming and knowledgeable. What a great loss for B&B and his family and friends,” shared Elizabeth Houston.
“Every once in a while, when someone passes, we think, ‘I wish I had known him better, because there seemingly was more to enjoy of their being.’ This is one of those moments,” added Frank X. Custer.
“I’m so sorry for this loss. I knew Gerard working with him at the Standard Tap years ago, and he was always a great person to be around. Prayers are with his daughter,” wrote Holly Scholl.
Gerard Angelini was well-known in the Philadelphia-area restaurant scene, having started his career at Standard Tap in Northern Liberties. In 2013, alongside Cody Ferdinand and Jeffrey Sacco, Angelini opened The Butcher and Barkeep in the Salford Square Shopping Center, transforming the former East End Ale House into a beloved gastropub.
Over the years, the restaurant has become a staple in the Harleysville community, known for its exceptional food, craft beer selection, and welcoming atmosphere. The Butcher and Barkeep has earned a 4.5-star rating on Google with over 1,400 reviews, a testament to the passion and dedication Gerard brought to the business.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gerard Angelini was described as a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a warm, welcoming presence to everyone he met. His passing leaves a tremendous void in both the restaurant and the wider community.
The thoughts and prayers of many are with Gerard’s daughter, Scarlett, his family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
