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JEROME VOREK Obituary
USMC veteran, FDNY retiree, Ground Zero volunteer
Jerome P. Vorek Jr., a Staten Island, N.Y., native, born on April 14, 1956, in Port Richmond, Staten Island, died on Friday, June 10, 2016, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Jerry attended Port Richmond High School, where he played three years of varsity football. After graduating from high school in 1974, Jerry proudly served six years in the United States Marine Corps/Reserve. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune as a corporal in North Carolina, and attained the rank of gunnery sergeant in Vietnam.
Upon leaving the Marines, Jerry followed his late father, Jerome P. Vorek Sr., and became a member of the Fire Department of New York, where he gave 20 dedicated years. Jerry started his FDNY career in the late 1970s at Engine 282/Ladder 148 in Borough Park, Brooklyn, N.Y., and ended at The Hot Corner Engine 155/Ladder 78 in New Brighton, Staten Island. After Sept. 11, 2001, Jerry was a volunteer for the recovery efforts at Ground Zero for 16 days.
Jerry, also known to his close friends and family as "The Bear," loved life and enjoyed his leisure time on the ocean, deep sea fishing and traveling. He was a proud member and volunteer with The Elks in Manahawkin, N.J. Bear was a devoted Jets fan and season ticket holder for many years.
He loved to socialize and always had a story to tell. He had a huge heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a wonderful uncle to his niece and two nephews, Justine, Joey and Drew Walsh, who were the apple of his eye. He will remain close to their hearts and be remembered for all of the great times they shared. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the N.Y. Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.
Harmon Funeral Home
571 Forest Ave.
Staten Island, N.Y. 10310
(718) 442-5056
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cousin Patty Harvey
June 19, 2016
I was so sorry to learn that you were taken too early from Justine, Joey & Drew. I know that you are at peace with the Lord and no longer suffering. You are enjoying eternal life with all of the family. I will always remember the many good times that we had at family gatherings when we were kids. You were a beautiful and special person. To Justine, Joey & Drew may the heaviness in your hearts be eased. God Bless each of you.
Bob Orazem
June 17, 2016
I worked with Jerry and he was a great guy!
Fishing Buddy
June 16, 2016
R.I.P Outstanding person. Jerome Vorek Jr.. May the Angels welcome you. Peace be with you.
Marty Holder Jr
June 16, 2016
He would attend Curtis varsity baseball games to watch his nephew Drew Walsh play on the same team as my son Tim.He will be missed.God Bless.
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Joe Razzano
June 15, 2016
Went to school with Jerry he was a good friend. May he rest in peace and his family be comforted in what I am sure are treasured memories.
Robert Burmeister
June 14, 2016
RIP JERRY,GOOD GUY .SPENT MANY A NIGHT CHATTING WITH HIM.MISS YOU PAL
Tom Evans
June 14, 2016
Jerry was a good firefighter and friend. Rest in Peace brother.
Christopher Leek
June 13, 2016
God Bless you Jerry , many a night spent at the Elks talking about life's in's & outs. Firefighters from my family to yours, things we both endured during 9/11 time spent in the service, the list goes on. Rest in peace my brother, we'll take it from here. ❤
Jim Schmidt
June 13, 2016
I worked with Jerry in Engine 282.A true professional and gentleman.Always there to help anyone who needed it.He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
June 13, 2016
God bless you Jerry you will be missed .
Mary Pendergast
June 13, 2016
To Joey, Justine and Drew, please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your uncle.
Elizabeth Moreno
June 13, 2016
I never knew your loved one, Jerome, but he sounds like he was a wonderful human being. I am sorry for your loss. May good memories and the passing of time help heal your sorrows.
Michelle Crooker
June 13, 2016
So sorry to hear about Jerry. He and my late husband, Art, always had conversations re: Vietnam. Art in the army and Jerry in the marines. He always said that Jerry was his hero. Jerry was a good guy. May he rest in peace.
Mike Brennan
June 13, 2016
I will miss my bubby Vet Jerry at the JET Tailgates, shorts and all! SEMPER FI, we will stand your watch. Regards and condolences to family and my cousin Patricia Baeza in Fla. Mike Brennan, West of New Brighton
June 13, 2016
My Dear Cousin Jebo, may your peace be sweet as you are embraced by the open arms of our Heavenly Father, we celebrate your life and you will be greatly missed by those who loved you most. Life has not ended but merely changed.
Lord comfort those who mourn and give the spirit of comfort for the heaviness of heart to my family members.
Love your cousin
Donna
Robert Baeza
June 13, 2016
Dear Justine, Joey and Drew. We are very sorry about the loss of your beloved Uncle Jerry. Sincerely, Cousin Bobby Baeza, Patricia, John and Jeffrey. (Bobby used to babysit Peggy and Jerry when they were little.)
Barbara Rauer
June 13, 2016
Jerry was a gentle, kind man and will be greatly missed.
Deepest sympathy to Jerry's family and friends.
June 12, 2016
Jerry will be dearly missed in our hearts. He was a great man and a true friend. Rest in peace hon.
Pamela Wheat
June 12, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the friends and family. Anytime we had the opportunity to spend time with Jerry was a memorable one. His compassion, big heart and smile will be missed.
Peggy Mcginley Reilly
June 12, 2016
My condolences to the Vorek and Walsh families, so sorry to hear this. I'm sure your sister Peggy and Joe were on the other side guiding you to them. RIP Jerry, many fun memories from J.W.'s back in the day.
Michele & Barry Egberts
June 12, 2016
I loved Jerry like a brother. After SS Sandy, "Roomie" lived with us for 2 yrs until his home was reconstructed. He helped us put our home back together. He made me laugh... Both he and Barry would tell Marine Corp Stories. I will never hear "Semper Fidelis" without thinking about Jerry and Barry "Marching" around the deck. Good Times... Jerry will be Greatly Missed...
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571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310
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