John J. Jerome Jr., of Bristol, CT, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025 in the comfort of his home following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. His loving partner of over 25 years, Mary Killian, was by his side.
John was born on April 28, 1941 in Burlington, VT son to the late Ruth A. (Newville) and John J. Jerome Sr. John lived a life rich in hard work and dedication, shaped by his upbringing in a farming family in Addison County, VT. From a young age, John learned the value of hard manual labor, a lesson that guided him throughout his life. He became a master of many trades and was known for his extraordinary ability to fix anything placed in his hands.
John bravely served our country in the U.S. Army as a medic. His commitment to service earned him an honorable discharge, but it was only the beginning of a life characterized by care and responsibility. After transitioning back to civilian life, John found a fulfilling career at Pratt & Whitney Aerospace Manufacturing, where he dedicated 38 years of his life. John earned his high school diploma while employed there, as school was something he had to put on hold to help on the farm as a young adult. He worked his way up to the esteemed position of Lead Man Operator, a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence.
John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and his zest for life. He had a profound love for fishing, often spent peaceful days casting lines in Old Saybrook, CT, and exploring the serene lakes and rivers of Vermont. An avid fan of all things Ford, John’s passion was particularly evident in his cherished Thunderbirds. He found great joy in NASCAR, attending the Daytona 500 during a significant moment in racing history when Dale Earnhardt passed. His unforgettable experiences were often accompanied by his beloved partner, Mary, as they traveled to vibrant destinations like Las Vegas, where they created cherished memories together.
John was known for his infectious sense of humor and sharp wit, always ready to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. His penchant for playful mischief was legendary among family and friends, often leaving them in fits of laughter. Beyond his playful spirit, John possessed a heart of gold. He was a steadfast source of support for his family, offering tough-love guidance and invaluable life lessons that shaped the lives of those he cherished. His collection of watches stands as a testament to his belief in the importance of punctuality and responsibility and that time is precious.
Above all, family was the most important aspect of his life and he held a special bond with his grandchildren, especially his granddaughters who will always be his little girls.
John is survived by his partner of 25 years, Mary Killian; his son, John J. Jerome III; his daughter, Donna Jerome; his grandchildren, Jeremy Jerome, Jessica Jerome, Ava Jerome, and Mason Jerome; his brothers, William Jerome and his wife, Lorraine and Norbert Jerome and his wife, Sue; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his siblings, Charles Jerome and his wife, Sandy, Alice Prime and her husband, Mike, Evelyn Carter and her husband, Robert, Joan Armell and her husband, Roy, and Joyce Carter and her husband, Terry.
Family and friends are welcome to gather on Friday, August 15 from 5 to 7 PM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville, CT 06062. Words of remembrance will be shared at 7 PM. Services for John will continue in Vermont, where family and friends are welcome to gather on Tuesday, August 19 from 5 to 7 PM at the Brown McClay Funeral Home, 4 South Street, Bristol, Vermont 05443. Words of remembrance will be shared at 7 PM. A funeral procession will escort John to his place of rest at Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes, VT on Wednesday, August 20 at 11 AM where full military honors will be accorded. Those who wish to follow in procession are asked to meet at 10:30 AM at the Brown McClay Funeral Home, 4 South Street, Bristol, Vermont 05443.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by going to www.alz.org. For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com or www.BrownMcClayFuneralHomes.com.
