William Barker Jerome

1923 - 2017

Stonington - William Barker Jerome, 94, passed away at home in Stonington on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, after a long decline, with family at his side.

William was born on May 1, 1923, in New Jersey, the only child of William Frederick and Emma Jane (Barker) Jerome. He grew up in New Jersey and New York before attending Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. World War II interrupted his undergraduate years when William served in the Army Corps of Engineers. After the war, he graduated from Clarkson and then attended Yale University, receiving a master's degree in civil engineering.

William married Frances V. (Wagner) Jerome, in Scarsdale, N.Y., on April 14, 1951. They went on to raise five children in Guilford. Following their divorce, he married Betty H. Steinmayer of Bristol. Together they built a house in Killingworth and lived there for over 20 years. In 2004, Bill and Betty made their final move to Stonington.

Bill is survived by his five children, William C. Jerome of Ballston Lake, N.Y., Katherine J. Jerome of New Hampshire, Evelyn J. Slik of Boyleston, Mass., M. Anne Jerome of New London, and Susan J. Jerome of Mystic; as well as two stepsons, Otto C. Steinmayer of Lundu, Malaysia and William T. Steinmayer of Mystic. As the patriarch of the family, he leaves ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty; his grandson, Abram J. Viano; and his stepson, Karl F. Steinmayer.

Bill lived a full and productive life. With an engineer's mind he designed and built the house in Killingworth. From his maternal grandfather he inherited a passion for the sea and sailing. While raising his family in Guilford, Bill was a leader for Boy Scout Troop 474. He and Betty volunteered at Mystic Seaport Museum for many years, where Bill enjoyed working on the marine engines. He was particularly proud of being a member at Mystic Seaport for over 50 years. He and Betty traveled extensively, even to the South Pole, and when age made travel less easy they retired to a quiet life in Stonington to be closer to family.

Bill's family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic.

Donations may be made in Bill's name to Mystic Seaport Museum or the charity of your choice.