Wednesday, December 4, 2019
I was saddened to hear that my friend, Jerome, has left us. As I reflect on my years of knowing him, working with him, and sharing time with him it can only bring a smile to my face. He had an exuberance and love for life that was infectious. He knew what he wanted and worked hard to get that. He was ready to share his friendship and words of wisdom with almost anyone he met but was also guarded in his willingness to simply give his trust to them without them first earning it. He had special bonds with many people, starting with his mother, his brother and wife, and their children! I never saw or heard anyone so proud to be an uncle as Jerome was. He worked very hard at the things he wanted to do. I had the pleasure of watching him achieve success in the events he participated in at Special Olympics, despite the extreme challenges that his participation required.
I think fondly on the bond and friendship he had with his former housemate, Brian. He maintained that relationship even after Brian's passing and I'm sure that the two of them are sitting together right now having a party and laughing. I love the ways that he found to get people to do the things that he wanted. He called me up years ago and asked if I was doing anything on a Friday evening in mid-December and whether I would be interested in coming over to his house for dinner. After checking my calendar, I confirm that I was free and would love to come over. He gave me the time let me know that I didn't have to bring any food or drink, and then, as somewhat of an afterthought, he threw in of parting question: "do you have a red coat, Red Hat, red pants, and black boots?" Since that time, I have been attending dinners/parties both at his home and later at the agency office annually wearing that red outfit. I was and still am prepared to continue the duties and responsibilities he asked of me for this time of year.
The honor of knowing and sharing time with Jerome will stay with me for the rest of my life. The lessons he taught to me and to others are lessons that I have and will continue to share with others, particularly members of my family. In doing so, I hope to keep his life, memory, and legacy going.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Amelia and Jeremy along with the rest of the family.
Scott Gregory
