Ronald Papa E. Jerro

Ronald E. Jerro, 76, president of REJ Associates – a life and health insurance agency, passed away peacefully on Mar. 3 at Virginia Hospital Center surround by his family and close friends after a long fight with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Ron was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Georgetown University in 1958. He served 3 years active duty in the USAF and 25 years in the USAF Reserve before retiring with the rank of Lt. Col. After active duty, he worked in NYC for the family shoe manufacturing business for 3 years before entering the life and health insurance industry where he continued to work for 50 years. He also served as a volunteer and director for numerous non-profit organizations and was a Member of the Knights of Malta. He lived in Northern Virginia since 1970.

Ron was an avid pilot and scuba diver but more importantly he was a devout Catholic with a kind heart who spent the majority of his life helping people. He touched many lives and was so special to many in different ways…a loving Father, caring brother, loving uncle, best friend, big brother that some never had, mentor, hero, incredible source of inspiration; and his unique sense of humor and enthusiasm were contagious.

Ron is survived by his brother John; three children, Will Jerro of McLean, VA, Kimberly McCorry of Arlington, VA and Melissa Jerro-Hencken of Catonsville, MD; eleven grandchildren, Billy, Lizzy, John, Luke, Patrick, Ella, Eli, Dean, Jack, Peter and Colin; and hundreds of other family members and close friends. He is loved and cherished by many, and he will never be forgotten.

Viewing is on Mar. 19 between 9:00-11:00am and 1:00-3:00pm at Murphy Funeral Home - 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA; Funeral is on Mar. 19 at 7:30pm at Holy Transfiguration Church Melkite Greek-Catholic Church – 8501 Lewinsville Rd, McLean, VA and Prayer Service is on Mar. 20 at 8:45am at the Memorial Chapel, Ft. Myer, Virginia with burial following at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send tax deductible contribution checks made out to Gonzaga College High School and designated for the Ronald E. Jerro Endowed Scholarship. The school's address is 19 Eye Street, NW. Washington, D.C. 20001.