Jerome, better known to all as Jerry, entered into eternal rest on October 29, 2024. He was a man of great faith who loved the Lord and always tried to make life better for everyone. Jerry was born in Canada at St. Regis Indian Reservation on May 26, 1946. At the age of 7, his family moved to Syracuse where he grew up on the North Side. He attended Henninger High School and after graduation, was drafted into the United States Army for artillery during the Vietnam War. He always remembered his first day at Boot Camp, it was the 4th of July. He spent several years in Korea at the DMZ.
Jerry returned home in 1970 and enrolled in the Control Data Institute studying computer sciences. At the same time, he met his soulmate and best friend Rosa LaRocca. After a long courtship, they married in 1976 and have celebrated over 48 years of marriage. They have one daughter, Savannah Rose Day.
Jerome moved to California in 1973 and became employed by IBM in San Jose as an IT Specialist. He stayed with IBM for over 25 years. Upon retiring, Jerry and his family moved to Discovery Bay and have lived there for over 20 years.
Jerry loved people. He was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Anne Council. There he served as Grand Knight for 2 years, and Faithful Navigator for 2 years for the Thomas Dooley 4th Degree Assembly. In addition to the Knights of Columbus, Jerry was one of the founders of the Delta Christian Community Food Pantry. He, with many other volunteers, picked up food on Fridays, sorted and packed food on Mondays, and delivered food on Tuesdays to 3 different locations. This rotation would happen every week and he did this for years.
Jerry was a firm believer in helping the poor. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Anne Church. He also served as spiritual leader for their meetings. In addition to this, Jerry and other volunteers would go to the Boys Ranch to do Bible readings and encourage the young boys that life can get better for them with faith in God.
For years, Jerry served as one of the Catechist for the high school teens preparing for Confirmation. He loved to share the word of God.
Jerry will always be remembered for his great big smile and for finding humor in everything. Even while he was battling cancer, he found ways to make us all smile. He will be forever missed.
Jerry was predeceased by his mother Ida Day, his father John Day, and his stepfather Michael George. He is survived by his wife Rosa, his daughter Savannah, his brothers Roger (Margie), Richard (Brenda), and his sister Jennifer (Jody). He was also very close to his in-laws, Ben (Audrey), Natalie (Brian) and Mellina. He adored his numerous nieces and nephews, and they loved him. They all enjoyed his humor and kindness.
In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Delta Christian Food Pantry. PO Box 476, Byron CA, 94514
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