He lost his father at a young age of 13 and helped to support his family through the early years. He was a great athlete playing both football and baseball in high school where he excelled academically, class President for 3 years and was elected captain of his Servite High School football team. In his senior year the football team won a City Championship. Jerome was also awarded the "General Excellence Award." He was so proud of that honor and his children were also well versed about it until the day he died.
In 1953, he met the love of his life, Jane McAninch (who he lovingly nicknamed “Baby Jane”). They later married, raised 6 children and were inseparable until Jane passed away in 2003. The early times were both challenging and fun as they raised a large family in Detroit.
Jerome received his undergraduate degree from Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) in 1958 and a Master of Arts (Education) from the University of Michigan in 1961. After graduating college Jay was hired by the Fitzgerald School District as a fifth grade teacher. He was quickly promoted to principal in 1964 to Westview Elementary School and later Schoefield. Mr. Roeske, as he was known, was loved by students, parents, teachers and co-workers. He was also a member of the Fitzgerald Golf League.
He was a strong Catholic who supported the local St Brendan's Church over the many years they lived in Detroit. He was coach of the St. Brendan's men’s softball team where his family and neighborhood friends participated in many winning seasons. They could often be seen celebrating a win by singing “Blueberry Hill” together at the Cadieux Cafe.
Jay also was proud to be an usher at St. Peters Church where he proudly wore his cranberry jacket and silver name tag. He was a very religious man and lived his faith. Jay also supported the Church by starting and hosting fundraising Euchre parties every week. He created the famous “Papa Jay Primer” that was used as the template for helping families and friends learn the rules of the game. Later, he started a Euchre beginner class in Clinton, Twp.
Jerome loved the University of Michigan and religiously watched their football games. The family would typically host Saturday parties celebrating the wins especially over Ohio State. He promoted the “Go Blue” slogan all through his life and indoctrinated his grandchildren with the same love for U of M football.
He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, a man who would give his shirt for a friend.
He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather as well.
Jerome was a strong, kind, gentle, patient, just a good man. He is loved and will be missed by many!
He is preceded in death by parents, Eleanor and Walter, wife Jane, brother Paul and son-in-law Ken Garant.
Jerome is survived by children; Cathy Garant, Karen Murray (Mark), Cynthia Stapleton (John), Michael Roeske (Suzanne), Thomas Roeske (Jennifer), and Mark Roeske (Nicole); Grandchildren including Christine (Nicholas), Paul (Sydney), Kelly, Jack, Ryan, Michael, Nicholas, Austin, Mitchell, Allison, Nicole, Connor, Grace and Mason; Great-Grandchildren including Dexter, Windsor, Beatrice, Vincenzo, Delilah, and Holland; sister Mary Laurencelle (Brian); a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.
Visitation will be held at A.H. Peters in Grosse Pointe Woods from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 21st. Instate starts at 9:00 a.m. Friday October 22 at St Peters Church in Mt. Clemens. Mass will follow at 9:30 a.m. A final blessing will be held at Resurrection Cemetery located in Clinton, Twp. after Mass.
Following the memorial, everyone is invited to a celebration of life located at Fern Hill Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity in honor of Jerome and his family.
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