Sir Jack has made a name for himself across east London and beyond after leading a charity dedicated to supporting youth projects in London and Essex.

The Jack Petchey Foundation was established as a charity in 1999, supporting young people in endeavours including public speaking, dance, sport and music. 

To date, his charity has invested over £170 million in grants to youth projects. 

His successful multi-million pound businesses gave way to his pioneering charity (Image: Jack Petchey Foundation) His charity said his passion for helping young people dates back to his own days as a child when he left school without qualifications at age thirteen. 

The 98-year-old reportedly made it his life's mission to provide young people with the opportunities and confidence he lacked, telling them: "if you think you can, you can". 

Sir Jack's success appears to have stemmed from several companies he founded, leading him to appear in lists of the UK's most successful business people. 

His keen interest in local sports, business and people led to him receiving an OBE in 2004 by the late Queen Elizabeth II, a CBE in 2011 by Sir David Brewer, and being knighted in 2016. 

Sir Jack started from humble beginnings in east London (Image: Jack Petchey Foundation) He is survived by his wife Lady Frances Petchey, his daughters Jackie, Susan and Amanda and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

A private funeral service will be held for family and friends. 

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An obituary posted to the foundation website reads: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sir Jack Petchey CBE who passed away today, 27th June at his home in Wapping aged 98 years.

He won many awards for his great work (Image: Jack Petchey Foundation) "He will be greatly missed by friends and family and by the many young people, teachers and youth leaders whose lives have been impacted by the work of his Foundation.

"Those wishing to leave a message of condolence can do so by visiting here."