Jay Boyar died Friday, May 3, 2019, with his family by his bedside. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on November 19, 1953, but grew up in Buffalo, NY (Amherst, if you want to get technical).

Jay's writing has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines. He appeared on Television and was heard on the radio. Blending his wit and knowledge of film, he was known for his movie critiques, which led to his co-founding of the Florida Film Critics Circle.

He published two books, Films to Go: 100 Memorable Movies for Travelers & Others, and Be a Magician! How to Put on a Magic Show and Mystify Your Friends. Jay was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing and won the Associated Press Prize in the same category. He also won numerous other prizes and awards for his work.

Most recently, he enjoyed being an adjunct professor, teaching film and writing at both the University of Central Florida and Rollins College. Jay received his BA in English Literature at the State University of New York at Buffalo, graduating Summa Cum Laude with departmental honors.

Jay is predeceased by his father Samuel, mother Louise (Jay), as well as his brother, Randy. He is survived by his wife Debbie Beckman, son Evan Boyar, brothers Allen and Ben (Jeanne), and nephews Nathan (Colleen) and Steven. He will be missed.