Jerry J. Poli

Hard to believe that nine years have passed since Jerry left our presence. Having the opportunity to remember and reminisce is a catharsis for those who knew him and cared enough to say so. I remember the first time we met. He was organizing what became the O'Fallon Writer's Guild and nothing was going to stand in his way. Over the ensuing months and years, I marveled at his persuasiveness and dedication. Though the guild members probably didn't know it at the time, it was due to his perseverance that they joined the organization, wrote pieces that they wouldn't have written otherwise, and, in the process, became more adept writers. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his accomplishments were many. Whether the Guild members realize it or not, he was an impact on their writing and their lives.

MaryLu
As you may or may not know, the last few members of the O'Fallon Writers' Guild (which Jerry formed and lead for many years) placed the Guild's entire treasury in a scholarship called the Jerry Poli Scholarship. It was intended to help young writers pay for college expenses and was awarded to an O'Fallon senior girl. She wrote a most grateful and poignant thank you letter and I tried to reach you to simply let you know that Jerry's good works were "still at work" even though many months had passed. I left messages but to the best of my knowledge, unfortunately, we never made contact. So, if you are reading this, be assured his legacy included a great deal for aspirant O'Fallon writers, and this young high school senior in particular. Though the Guild has disbanded, many of our members have gone on to greater heights in the publishing world. On a personal note I will remember Jerry as a proactive leader and a true friend.

John Moore

MaryLu & Family
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I knew him for many years working in the neighboring community of River Grove on the police department. Jerry was always a great communicator and friend to all his brethren in police work. Please accept my most sincere sympathy in this time of your families' loss.

Steve Kazarian (retired Lieutenant River Grove PD)

Sorry for your loss.

Keeping your family in thoughts at this difficult time in your lives.

I only worked with Jerry for a short time when I first started with the Elmwood Park Police, but I remember him as a good man, which can be a rare thing in this job & the world.

Dear Marylu and family - Our thoughts, prayers and our deepest sympathy are with you.

Our condolences to the Poli family. He was one of the best from EPPD.

Dear Marylu & family,
We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. May it give you peace to know he is in God's Kingdom.

I will always remember Jerry as a true gentleman, gifted artist/writer and Brother in the EPPD. May he rest in the arms of The Lord and may The Lord give his family Strength , during this difficult time. Rest in Peace my Friend.

Marylu, you and your family have my deep sympathy and prayers.

On behalf of myself and all of Jerry's friends in the O'Fallon Writers' Guild, I extend our condolences to MaryLu and all of Jerry's family.

On a personal note, I remember the first time I met Jerry. It was during the early days of the Guild start up. He was enthusiastic and forceful in arranging meetings, encouraging attendance, and most important leading members to write. Equally important he made them believe that what they wrote was important. He practiced what he preached.

Jerry was the prime mover in an organization that has helped many people find their voice as well as the encouragement to follow their dream.

We at the Guild will miss him. I know I will. However, we are all better off for having known and worked with him.

Condolences,

John Moore