Commander John D. Jerome

Known variously as John, Jack, Jerry, and Papa, John Jerome was a great gift to all who knew him. Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, the son of Louis and Eleanor Jerome, he was the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Park Ridge High School, and then attended the United States Naval Academy. He is a member of the class of 1957.

With his wife Barbara Suit Jerome by his side for the next 63 years, he had a successful career in the Navy, serving aboard aircraft carriers, diesel and nuclear submarines, other surface ships, and on staffs in Vietnam and Washington, D.C., earning numerous service medals and a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. Distinguished in the areas of communications engineering and planning, he was recognized for his expertise, managerial ability, initiative, and devotion to duty. He retired as a Commander, and continued to work in the IT/communications field as a civilian, additionally recognized for contributions to US National Security and telecommunications worldwide. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing, and was an avid reader, as well as a sports fan.

A lifelong Catholic and a man of strong faith, he was grateful and cheerful in all circumstances. Of course, he loved his family: his wife, Barbara; daughters Lee Ann Clements (Jeff), Mimi Delcuze (Mark), and Barbara Marchbank (Rob); grandchildren Sarah (Neil), Jennifer (Lucas), Duncan (Katie), Bethany (Kofi), Kirsten (Adam), Christine (Ricky), and Ryan; and great-grandchildren John, Liam, and Emmett. He is survived by those mentioned above, as well as his sister Nancy Dewhurst, and by many nieces and nephews who fondly remember their Uncle John, as do all those who experienced his contagious joy and received his gentle guidance. He was humble and generous, and had a consistently positive attitude. A source of unfailing support, he was adept at offering encouragement which combined a sense of honor and common sense, all wrapped in a profound amount of love.

A funeral Mass will be attended by his immediate family at St Mary's Church, Annapolis, Maryland, and available on live stream Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. https://vimeo.com/event/78301

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Church, Annapolis, Maryland, or to the Tuition Assistance program for St. Mary's Schools, or to the Veterans Association of your choice.