William G. Jerome, 89, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning at his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Pittsfield on October 30, 1932, the son of Ambrose and Ida Montour Jerome, he was raised in Lenox where he attended local schools and was a 1950 graduate of Lenox High School, where he excelled in sports. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant College in Providence, R.I. and a Master of Arts degree from American International College in Springfield.
Bill served in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He was employed by General Electric Co. in the Ordnance division for many years and was a Contract Administrator at the time of his retirement. He was a communicant of St. Teresa’s Church for many years and later Sacred Heart Parish.
He and his wife, Kathleen Connally Jerome, were married October 17, 1959.
He is survived by his loving wife; six children including Michael Jerome and wife Theresa of Dalton, Jill Fachetti and husband Dave of Needham, Ellen Paluilis of Dalton, Wendy Hamilton and husband George of Pittsfield, Daniel Jerome and wife Kris of West Roxbury, and Katy Cass and husband Tim of Foxborough; three sisters, Dorothy Leibinger of Pittsfield, Idamae Scaramuzzi of Lenox, and Barbara Thompson of Melbourne, FL; 18 grandchildren including Caitlin, Kayla, Kevin, Jordan, Molly, Megan, Nicole, Mitchell, Julia, Joe, Paige, Will, Cameron, Tom, Emily, Caroline, and Lindsey; and two great-granddaughters, Savannah and Sloane; and his spoiled and beloved dog, Oliver.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his sisters, Eleanor Hamberg, Vivian Hopper, Mary Roy, and Joan Reidy; brothers Robert, Richard, and Edward Jerome; his granddaughter Anna; and his great-grandson, Theo.
A lifelong Patriots and Yankees fan, Bill enjoyed coaching his sons at baseball. He also loved playing golf, riding his mountain bike on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.
His happiest times were when he was with his family, whether vacationing on Cape Cod, listening to James Taylor at Tanglewood on July 4, or relaxing in his back yard with a Bud Light.
Calling hours for Mr. William G. Jerome will be Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Roche Funeral Home. Fr. Steven Montesanti, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield, will offer a prayer service at 2:45. Burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Pittsfield will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Anna’s Pals in care of the funeral home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.  To share memories and stories please visit the funeral home’s website.
