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Scott
August 21, 2009
Jerry,
I can't believe it's been a year....it seems like only yesterday that talked to you for the last time. I am so glad I called to wish you a happy birthday. We talked racing, about playing golf when you got to feeling better, and upcoming football season. I never in a million years imagined those would be our last words.
I miss you, old buddy. I miss our days on the links, trips to Watkins Glen, and just hanging around shooting the breeze. There is not a day that goes by I don't think of you...or your family for that matter. I guess I just always assumed you would be around forever...and took for granted the time we did spend together. But, I'm happy for the hundreds of memories of you and the time we did have together. I think of our trip to Watkins Glen for your first Nascar race...how you put up with my drunken singing the whole ride home. The trip to Sam's Club where you almost made me puke...and the look of pride on your face. Many golf outings and nights out playing shuffleboard. And last but certainly not least, the night we pumped about sixty dollars in quarters into that video hunting game at the lounge.
I must say that as much as I miss you, I am so thankful every day for the times we did have together. You are one the best men I have ever known. You were like a father to me, at times like a brother, and always my friend.
A year after our last conversation, I miss you and can't believe your not here with us. But as sad as I am for those of us you left behind, I'm glad you are where you don't hurt, where you can play golf again, where you can live again.
I'll see you again someday(I hope)and we can catch up over a round...and a cold beer.
See you, B. I miss you!
Jill Armstrong
August 5, 2009
Dad,
I cannot believe that you are gone. It breaks my heart that I will never again see your smile, hear your voice, ask you why you are answering mom's cell phone, or taste one of your fudge balls. I feel so lucky to have had you as my dad. No, biologically you were not, but you WERE my dad....and I am so thankful that before you died I was able to tell you how much I loved you and appreciated you for being the kind of dad you didn't even have to be to me. I have so many wonderful memories of you that I cannot write them all down, but in my soul's book, you are on every page, line after line.
I remember the time when I was trying on my dance costume the night before my recital and it was too tight and mom told me to take it off, it was going to rip, and if it did, she wouldn't sew it because I refused to take it off. Well, of course it ripped, and true to her word she refused to sew it. You went and got the sewing kit and dried my tears and said you would fix it for me. And you did. And you even let me put a glittery, pink, Happy New Year tiara on your head while you did it. I remember you carried around, and actually proudly used the gigantic pink ice cream cone pen I got you for Christmas. I remember all the times we played Yahtzee and watched the Beverly Hillbillies or Gilligan's Island. Every time I see the shows COPS or AMERICA'S MOST WANTED, I will always think of you and smile.
I remember our tradition that you would always make us fudge and popcorn while we watched the Jerry Lewis telethon together. I would always have a pit in my stomach that they were never gonna top last year's amount and you would always reassure me they would. I remember how you used to always sing "Walk On..You'll Never Walk Alone" with Jerry and you would always get a little misty and say how that song brought a tear to your eye.
I remember all the times you drove as many cheerleaders that would fit in the Escort to far away games. I fondly think back on all the years you spent taking me to bowling and all the tournaments we entered together. I laugh when I think of the time you punched a hole in my bathroom door after I mouthed off and you chased me and I locked the door and refused to come out! Then mom got REALLY mad at YOU!! Speaking of door stories, I also remember the time mom said if I slammed my bedroom door again it was coming off the hinges until I learned how to respect the honor of having one. So, I promptly screamed,"FINE!!" and slammed the door. Imagine my surprise when just a few minutes later I heard the sound of power tools and my door was half off the hinges and there you were, and you quietly said you were sorry, she told you to do it, and why didn't I just learn to keep my mouth shut!
I vividly remember the time you offered to legally adopt me. I was 12. You said you wanted to adopt me and that you loved me more than anything. I declined because I did not want to change my last name and we had a very long talk about how we really did not need adoption to make us more "valid..." we already knew you were my dad, and I was your daughter. You only offered to make ME feel better.....that was you, Dad. Always putting others first.
I smile when I remember seeing your car pull into every single home softball game, McDonald's Iced Tea in hand for me. And all the times you coached or were an umpire when I was in Little League. I remember how good you were at giving me baths and washing my hair when I was little and how much fun you made hair-washing and rinsing! I laugh out loud when I remember you (you sick man!) proudly recounting the story of the day I confronted you and Mom about Santa, and she revealed the truth and you excitedly broke the news to me about the Easter Bunny, as well!
I remember all the running around you did with me, and my friends, and boyfriends when I was a teenager. You never, ever said no if I wanted a ride or if you had to pick someone up for me. Ever. You were always patient when I insisted on doing my hair and makeup before we made our usual store runs together but you would tell me how silly it was that I had to do that just to go with you to get toilet paper! I also remember, lovingly , how as a teen I was too embarrassed to buy feminine products so I would go to the store with you and casually point out what I needed and just keep walking as you threw them in the cart. I also remember the trauma of the time the boy I liked was stocking shelves and I was talking to him and you proceeded to yell down the aisle and ask me if I wanted the maxi-pads with wings and then you made them "fly" into the cart yelling, "It's got WINGS!!" I smile when I remember when you finally "put your foot down" and told me you were cutting me down to ONE CAN OF AQUA-NET HAIRSPRAY every OTHER day because you sick of going to buy it every night and it was just too much hair spray!!
I remember the Bon Jovi shows you took me to, particularly the very first one when I was in 6th grade....you bought me a Bon Jovi sweat shirt that cost like $35 and, at the time, I knew how much money that was to you, but you knew how much I wanted one and you did it just to make me happy. I also remember at that show how EMBARRASSED I was that you were wearing earplugs and how you stood up when Jon Bon Jovi went to a podium in a far off corner of the stadium and then tried to deny your desire to see his performance by saying you had to stand up cuz your legs were cramping from sitting!!! I also remember with a thankful heart, the time you drove me to Boscov's at 2am and we sat in the parking lot until 6am till we got in line for the Golden Circle tickets for a Bon Jovi show. Tickets didn't even go on sale till 10am and when we got up to the window and we placed our order, the lady said they didn't take credit cards!! You had enough cash for 2 Golden Circle tickets, and then we had to go to the arena box office and stand in line for another few hours to get the other tickets we needed!! You were such a trooper, and never, ever complained. Not once.
I remember how you loved to sing along to the radio in the car and how you knew the words to every oldies song ever written. I remember your love of Neil Diamond, Buddy Holly, Kenny Rogers and your crazy notion that Elvis is STILL alive and in hiding! Every time I hear the songs Angel Eyes, I'll Be There for You, Babe, or Baby's Got Blue Eyes I will think of you and you know why.
I remember when you threatened to throw a certain boy out the den window when you caught him kissing me "like THAT!!" as you called it. I also remember all the times you dried my tears and comforted me when that same boy broke my heart....and all the times you did the same when other boys broke my heart.
I remember that when I was on my way to pick out a tux with my prom date, I inexplicably got chest pains and had to pull the car over. I thought I was having a heart attack. When I got back home, Grandpa was running out of his house to meet me at the car and told me I needed to get to the hospital, you had a heart attack. Turns out, you had your heart attack at the same moment I started having chest pains and had to pull the car over. No, we were not biologically related, but our love as dad and daughter bonded our souls and connected us in ways only we could ever understand.
I remember the time you bought me a gold Sweet 16 charm for my birthday...it was the first time you ever bought me something on your own, without mom's help, that you picked out for me. I also remember the day you and mom came to Allentown so I could get your opinions on my wedding dress before we bought it. When I stepped around the corner, donning my gown, I remember the tears in your eyes. I also remember that you helped me pick out, and paid for, my wedding purse. Dad, I am so thankful you lived to walk me down the aisle and share in the joy of my wedding day. I will never forget your tears in the church or during our dance together. to "Through the Years." And just like that song says, Dad, through the years, you never let me down.
The memory that brings me the most joy is the memory of how, when I was a kid you had me fooled into thinking you magically knew when the traffic lights would change from red to green. I remember we would sit there at a red light and you used to snap your fingers when you thought the light would change to green....and it ALWAYS did! I would laugh and yell, "How do you DO that?!?!!?" and you would always say, "It's magic!" and we would laugh and laugh. I remember I must have been about 14 or 15 when you finally revealed your secret....and I felt a little disappointed because I always did think you were magical, Dad.
Oh, Jerrykins.You were not biologically my father, but you were my REAL dad. You gave me a life full of so much happiness, love, and memories that I will be eternally thankful and appreciative that God chose me to be your daughter. I am so blessed to have known and loved you and to have been loved by you. You made me a better person, a better human being, simply by loving me and showing me the true meaning of family, happiness, and what really matters in this world. When mom and I cleaned out your things, it took us all of two hours. You owned nothing much and certainly nothing of any value (other than the autographed Elway football!) and it hit me then just how little you had but how truly happy you were. You always said you had "your girls" and that was all you needed.
You were a man of few words, Dad, but your actions always spoke volumes. Thank you for being the wonderful, loving, amazing angel on earth that you were. Mom, Jamie, Jayden, Lexi and I are all better people because we loved you and because you loved us. As sad as we all are that you are gone, we know that your last days in this life were not happy and we are joyous that you have been relieved of your suffering and hoping that when God sends you to the store for milk, it doesn't take you an hour and a half like it did on earth!! We know that you are up there, with all your friends, family, and our pets who went before you, and that you are all healthy, golfing, and scratching off heavenly lotto tickets! We all miss you, Dad. I miss you so much that I sometimes don't know what to do...but I will be okay. I made a promise to myself to live my life in a manner that you would be proud of and to learn to love a man again only if he loves me in the way that you loved Mom. And Dad, I think I found him! The man you always wanted me to be with...the man you always knew I deserved. Oh, he is amazing. I think his temper is his only flaw! And when I say temper, I don't mean with ME...I mean, he has the patience of a saint compared to normal people, but his temper appears when his ideals of social justice are scorned....like me....like YOU. He reminds me so much of you...he cooks, he cleans, he runs to get me a blanket if he thinks I am cold...He, ironically, has your hands!! The SAME hands!! He treats me like...you treated Mom. I never imagined that was even POSSIBLE to find!! And, you will LOVE this...as much as he admires and appreciates ME...for ME...he also puts me in my place when I deserve it! No matter where this may lead, he has shown me that there ARE still guys like YOU! And, amazingly, he has taught me how much I truly DESERVE a man like ....YOU.
Dad, you were an amazing husband, father, and grandfather and I will always love you. Thank you for all of the loving, wonderful memories we created together. Please, if you can manage it, when I make it up to the Pearly Gates, have STARBUCKS Iced Coffee waiting for me...I KNOW...last time you were here, I was all about Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee!! I have been converted!! So, please....show up with those warm hands, a big hug and a Starbucks Iced Coffee for me when I arrive at the pearly gates. Also, be ready to give me one of those smiles and big hugs I miss so very much!! I love you, Dad. Thanks. For all of it. See you on the other side, Dad!!
All of My Love Forever,
Jill
Robin Armstrong
September 25, 2008
Sylvia, Jill, Jamie and Jayden: I still can't come up with words to describe the loss that I'm feeling; my heart goes out to you. I know that your grief is immeasurable at this time. May your memories keep you strong in the weeks and months ahead. Lots of white light and love coming your way from us and the boxer boyz that loved Jerry so.
Robin and Jake Armstrong
Tania Hyatt (Motlagh)
September 20, 2008
Sylvia, Jill and Jamie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I haven't seen Jerry since I was in high school with Jill, I will never forget how much laughter filled your house or how much you all loved each other. There was never any doubt how much he adored the 3 women in his life. My thoughts are with you.
Scott Armstrong
September 10, 2008
Sylvia, Jill, Jamie, Jayden, Fred, and Etta
I am sorry for your loss. But it is also a loss for everyone who has ever known Jerry. He was one of the best men I have ever known. He was not only a second father to me but one of my best friends as well. I will miss him but I am also very thankful for having known him as well as I did.
Jerry made a better person out of every person whose life he touched. I know he made me better for knowing him. Many times in my life I would come to a place where a hard decision had to be made and I would ask myself..WWJD...what would Jer do? And that was always the best answer.
I thank you all for making me a part of your family. And the only positive thing I can say is that at least that SOB will never beat me in golf again. I love you all!
Larry Eastabrook
September 9, 2008
Dear Sylvia, Jill, Jamie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Although we visited only a few times, we knew Jerry as a very kind and loving man and enjoyed visiting with him. We are so glad we were able to see him in May. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and if you need anything, we're only a phone call away.
Love, Peggy & Larry
Michele Lucas
September 8, 2008
Dear Sylvia, Jill and Jamie,
I was so saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. I did not know him well but I heard tons and tons of stories about him over the years from Jill. He was a remarkable man who received a lot of praise from his children. One thing I do remember is Jill and Scott's wedding day. I remember the look on Jerry's face. The tears streaming down his cheeks and the pride in his eyes as his oldest daughter was getting married. He was a good man. I hope you will accept our sympathies. Love, Tom, Michele and Anna Marie
Rebecca Weaver
September 7, 2008
Dear Sylvia, Jill and Jamie,
My family was greatly saddened to hear the news of Jerry's passing. He was such a special person to everyone who's lives he touched. I was blessed to have him touch my life through my friendship with Jill. My sympathies are with you during this difficult time and remember if you need anything do not hesitate to contact me.
Love,
Becky (Major), Jake, Daniel and Natalie Weaver
Nancy Mathews-Martiny
September 6, 2008
Sylvia and Family: I am sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great guy. I worked with both of you years ago at Sage. He will be missed!!
Victoria Davis
September 6, 2008
Having been blessed to meet Jerry and Sylvia through the course of my friendship with their daughter Jill, I was deeply saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. Jerry’s strength of spirit and loving nature were definitely two of his amazing characteristics that I admired most. I am grateful to hear that his last days were spent at home with his family. He cherished you all so much. My heartfelt sympathies to you as we remember Jerry and are thankful to him for touching so many of our lives.
Jim Blincoe
September 5, 2008
Silvia and family; I was saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. He was always very nice to me and it was a pleasure to work with him at Sage. His pleasant smile and good natured personality will always be remembered.
Jeremy & Brandy Kenyon
September 5, 2008
We were so saddened to hear of this tragic loss. We send our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
Lisa Doyle (Cruz)
September 5, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have not seen you all in many years. Jill and I were very close in high school. I remember getting a flat tire and Jill's parents pulled over and Jerry helped me fix it when my boyfriend was no help! And when we all took at trip and I kept saying how evey guy that passed by was cute and everyone in the car finally told me to shut up!! LOL I had some wonderful times staying with Jill and her family when we were teens. They were like my family too! My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I am sorry I didn't get a chance to see you.
Love, Lisa Doyle (Cruz)
Karen Bender
September 4, 2008
Sylvia, Jill, Jamie, Etta, Fred, and Jayden,
Your family always holds a part of my heart. Words can never express how much you meant to me growing up. From Jill being my dearest friend, to Jerry and Sylvia being wonderful role models and like parents to me, as well as Jamie being the little sister running around that I cherished as the youngest of five girls! And of course Etta and Fred, your smiles and Fred - LOVE your ice tea and NO ONE has ever come close!
I am thinking of your family and felt my breathe escape me for a moment when Jill called me. First for Jerry and your family and then for myself as the memories flooded-in. His smile, softball games, and a smile and laugh finally followed when I remembered him escorting one of my many loser boyfriends home and away from me! I will forever love you, Jerry. I know you are at peace and am so glad for you. And know you haven't stopped your protection of your family and friends. They now know they have their angel looking out for them from above.
If there is anything - anything we can do, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Love to all,
Karen, Craig, Logan, and Zachary Bender
Susan (Sparr) Yetsko
September 2, 2008
Sylvia and Family,
I have not seen you or Jerry since I worked at Sage many years ago as a pricing clerk, but Jerry was a wonderful person and I am very sorry for your loss.Your in my prayers.
Shannon Supa
September 2, 2008
Sylvia, Jill, Jamie...
Many of my best memories consist of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
August 31, 2008
Sylvia and family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of your loved one. He was a good friend to me. He will be dearly missed.
Sincerely
Chuck Williams and Family
JIM&CATHY JOHNSON
August 29, 2008
SYLVIA AND FAMILY,
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I'LL MISS SEEING HIM IN THE STORE FOR HIS LOTTERY.HE WAS A VERY KIND AND CARING MAN
Debbie (Youngs, Beamer) Tuttle
August 29, 2008
The Beamer Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry passing away, he is now with his father and in a better place. He holds a special place in my heart. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Jen Ackley(Flint)
August 29, 2008
Jamie and Family,
I just wanted to let you know that I am sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you. You will be in my thoghts and prayers. Jerry was a wonderful man, he always had a smile for me. If you need anything at all please let me know.
Heather Medovich
August 29, 2008
Sylvia, I am very sorry for your loss, my dad, Butch always had very kind words about you and Jerry. I am sorry for your pain.
Happy memories last a lifetime.
Heather (Byam) Medovich
Gail Byam
August 29, 2008
Sylvia,
My Husband Butch worked with you and Jerry for many years at Sage Supply. When we lost him suddenly you and Jerry were very helpful in helping with the pain. So many kind works help ease the unending sorrow. My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts at this great time of loss. If you need to talk please call me 607-648-2204
Gail Byam
mac baker
August 28, 2008
evelyn and bush family sorry for your loss but he,s with leon looking over all of you my prayers an thoughts are with you
Paul Lee
August 28, 2008
Sylvia and Family,
Sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great Family man. Jerry was a great friend to all who knew him. I remember when he showed me how to play golf. I also remember the cook-outs and swiming at your house. Again, my deepest sympathy for you and your family.
Paul Lee
Betty Neal
August 28, 2008
Sylvia, Jill, Jamie, Etta and Fred
We were so sorry to hear the sad news Sunday morning. Jerry was so young and such a wonderful man. You could always count on him to come and lend a helping hand whenever he was needed.
Sylvia, I know your pain as his wife . . it is so hard to accept your loss. I found this verse to be helpful to me and hope it comforts you too.
May your sorrow be lifted with
great eagle wings, and carried
to that faraway place where
sorrows are changed to peace;
and may that peace return to
you, and live where sorrow
used to be.
You have our Deepest Sympathy!
Love, Betty Neal and Ike Armstrong
Paul Lee
August 28, 2008
Sylvia I was shocked and so saddened to hear about Jerry. I have many good memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls.
Richard Gumaer
August 28, 2008
To Jerry's Family:
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Janet Pitcher
August 28, 2008
Dear Syl, I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was an awesome man. You and your family are in my thoughts. God bless.
Kelly Cook
August 28, 2008
Aunt Evelyn, Susie, Renee, Debbie, So sorry for your loss,I love all of you with all my heart. Love, Kelly Mae
Kelly Cook
August 28, 2008
Syliva,Jill,and Jamie,You are in our thoughts and prays.we love you and if theres anything we can do please let us know,thats what familiy is for. Love, Kelly and Jessica Bush
Gerri Beach
August 28, 2008
Jamie, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad.I know at this time there isn't anything anyone can say to make the pain disappear,but just remember how much he loved you and always wanted the best for you.He was a great person and he will be missd dearly.If you need anything please don't hesitate to call me.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Love you.
Laurie Bendick
August 28, 2008
Sylvia, Jill & Jamie
Our deepest sympathy, I know it has been a long time since we have seen your family, but there hasn't a day gone by that I haven't thought about you guys. Jerry always had a special place in my heart and meant a lot to me, I will trully miss him, anything we can do ro if you just need to talk please call us 343-4970, I know you guys were the first one there when I lost my father. Anything at all really,
In our prayers,
Laurie, Jim, Zack & Colby Bendick
GEORGE DAVIS
August 28, 2008
SYLVIA, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN YEARS.JERRY WAS A GREAT GUY.ALL MY BEST.
GEORGE DAVIS
Mike Ohlstein
August 28, 2008
Fifty three. It doesn't seem right, and it certainly isn't fair... that a guy who was always so ready and willing to give.....has had everything taken away.
I remember the brown suit that Jerry was wearing on the day that we met. It was the only time I ever saw Jerry in a suit. I was a dirty punk kid, trying to come to grips with having to climb 150 flights of stairs every day at my new job, and Jerry was this guy who I had heard of before but hadn't met. He was back at Sage Supply that day, politicking for the return of his job as shop foreman. Jerry was successful in his quest, and a short time later he was back full time. Jerry was my new boss.
I had worked for several other foremen at various jobs before that, and have since had several foremen working in my employ. Jerry had certain qualities which made him uniquely qualified for that type of position. Jerry was even-handed, even-tempered, and wouldn't ask anyone to do anything that he wouldn't do himself. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty, and he was just as happy busting his hump as he was telling you that you had better get to busting yours. He was quick to laugh and slow to anger.
A trip to the Beamer household was always an adventure. You just never knew who or what you would find living there. Sometimes it was a new dog, sometimes it was a new kid, sometimes it was a mixed bag. You could hardly tell the players without a scorecard. But whatever it was, the common theme there was that if someone or something was in need, the Beamers were willing to provide help. There was always a feeling of being welcome at the Beamer home. You couldn't get out of there without being offered something to eat, and if you were more than a few miles from home.....a place to sleep.
Over these last few years Jerry had struggled with his health, but I guess that I hadn't quite realized how serious it was.....and today I find my world a little emptier than it was yesterday. Jerry was a cool guy. I'm happy to have had the opportunity to call him my friend. But what really makes me proud, is the knowledge that he thought of me the same way.
Vaya con Dios, amigo.
Kathy & Dave Anderson
August 28, 2008
Sylvia, Jamie and Jill,
Jerry will be truly missed. Such a kind man who would give you the shirt off his back. i will miss seeing him come in to Sage. Sylvia, I will call you soon.
Anything we can do, please ask.
Love-Kathy and Dave
Richard Witter
August 28, 2008
Sylvia,
I cannot express all my sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss. I will forever cherish my memories of Jerry's friendship and kindness. I will deeply miss my friend.
Denise (Beamer) Brofcak
August 28, 2008
Aunt Evelyn, Susie, Renee and Debbie ~ I felt so bad when mom called me and told me Jerry passed away. I AM SO SORRY! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love you,
Susan Stanek
August 28, 2008
DEAR SYLIVA, I HEARD THIS ON THE SCANNER SUNDAY BUT I DIDN'T KNOW WHOM IT WAS I WAS SHOCKED THIS MORNING WHEN I SAW THIS I JUST LOST MY HUSBAND 07-09-2008 IT ISN'T EASY TO GO THROUGHT I WILL PRAY FOR YOU I KNOW YOU ARE FEELING VERY EMPTY INSIDE GOD BLEE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SUE CAVANAUGH STANEK
Bill Lohr
August 28, 2008
I can not express my sorrow for your loss. My thoughts are with you; if I can do anything, please let me know.
Bonny Guiles (Sackett)
August 28, 2008
Sorry for your loss I remember Jerry from when I hung out with Rene many years ago.
john & Mary parks
August 28, 2008
Sylvia and family, Our thoughts are with you at this time. Our sincerest sympathy.
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