"Dear  Jerry, I will miss your smile and sharing simple pleasures together."
The four of us had such fun vacationing together, sharing dinners and a few New Years Eves.
Our trips to Ft. Myers Beach and "shelling" on Sanibel were so relaxing.  We had good times in North Carolina playing tourist and also enjoying nature.  We would sit on the porch at the cabin and watch the hummingbirds.  Jerry, Roberta, Bernie and I shared a lot of enjoyable times together.  I'll treasure my memories.

The messages from the family are so moving and beautiful. No one could ask to leave a better legacy. We are as grateful for Jerry’s fantastic artwork that adorns the walls of our home as we are for our friendship with Roberta and Jerry.  Jerry was generous with his art, gifting us a collage or print or original drawing for every and any occasion. And there were many over the years -- holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of grandchildren. That was how Jerry gave of himself -- and he took every opportunity to show how much he cared. He will be missed.

The cornerstone of our Family. The anchor. The ‘Coolest’ Dad on the block, is now being led by the Hand-of-God to his well-deserved place of rest. He’ll now stand alongside his loved ones, family and friends, whom he treasured throughout his life.

	I witnessed firsthand his survival skills, which enabled him to live to the ripe old age of 94, setting the benchmark very high for family still fighting the good fight.

	My love and admiration for my Father is difficult to put into words, for he assumed many roles. Throughout my life, he was my guardian, as well as my teacher. At times, he was my counsel, and at others, my therapist, from whom I would seek sound advice. He taught me how to appreciate nature in all of its glory, and its smallest details, never leaving an inviting stone unturned. 

	Some of my deepest memories, are from the earliest points in my childhood, when I was but a few years old. Feeding the ducks at Greynolds Park with an open palm, and not being afraid. Fishing from Haulover Pier on a beautiful Florida morning. Driving down to Key West, as I accompanied him on his business trips, smelling the aroma cast off by the mangrove swaps, while admiring the ocean’s variety of blue and green colors, and ending the day enjoying a Whale Dive in the Blue Marlin Motel pool. These are the thoughts to which I will cling for the rest of my days. They will comfort me in times of stress, make me smile when I need to laugh, but also bring tears to my eyes, when I know that I will never see him again in this world.

	He was a magnificent man with a jovial soul, always seeing the positivity life had to offer. He looked for the silver lining in the tough times, and taught me to do the same. I love my Father now and will feel that love forever, and can only hope and pray that someday we meet again, under sunny skies, with the cool wind at our backs, as we reminisce about our lives together.

How wonderful for Papa to see his grandchildren grow up well into adulthood. 

Grandparents are a gift and Jason and Papa shared a very special and deep bond. 

Dave and I are forever grateful that Sarah and Jason and Nana and Papa shared milestones, time together, and the joy of being with each other.

Papa Jerry was incredible with babies and children. He had a natural affinity with them. Sarah and Jason loved spending time with Nana and Papa, and Papa took every moment to hold, cuddle, feed, dance, read, and tell stories. As they grew up, he talked  with them about their interests and what they were doing. 

An amazing Papa, he always spoke to them about what they enjoyed, how they were, cheered them on, and loved them with all of his heart.

How incredibly wonderful for all of us that Mom and Papa met and shared 44 years together. Amazing parents, grandparents, and friends. 

They are the finest example of a marriage based on love, deep respect, and enjoying family, friends, and each other.

Dear Dad, 
You’ve always been there for Eric and I and you were always our Hero with your iron fist… We will always keep you in our hearts love you Dad

OBITUARY

Jerome Martin Grafman

February 27, 1931 – October 7, 2025

Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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