Jeffrey S. Deutsch, 32, a Chicago florist and muralist, a boyhood hero who 20 years ago Tuesday rescued his younger sister from the family`s burning home, died Saturday of AIDS in Michael Reese Hospital.
Mr. Deutsch, a resident of the Logan Square neighborhood, was co-owner of Art Effects with his longtime companion, Charles Nitti.
Mr. Deutsch`s work adorns Arnie`s restaurant and the club F/X 1100.
On Jan. 15, 1971, when Jeffrey Deutsch was 12, a fire broke out in his family`s St. Paul, Minn., home. His father, Daniel, recalled Monday that Jeffrey re-entered the home and saved his sister Lois, then 6.
Jeffrey Deutsch`s mother, Lucille, and infant sister, Krista, died in the blaze.
In addition to his father, Mr. Deutsch is survived by his grandparents, Roy and Marian Deutsch, and William Koran; two sisters; and two brothers. A memorial service will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Church of Our Saviour, 530 W. Fullerton Pkwy.
