Albert A. Jerome passed away June 3, 2026, on the 24th anniversary of his beloved wife Ruth’s death on June 3, 2002, at his home surrounded by his large and devoted family holding vigil.
He was born April 6,1933 in Beaver Falls, PA to the late Albert and Tressa (Gaudio-Phillips) Jerome. Since age 6, he was a resident of Ellwood City PA. It was here, in Ewing Park, that he met the love of his life, Ruth Slevin Jerome, proclaiming at the age of 13 that he would marry her. They celebrated 48 years of marriage before Ruth’s death.
They built a home in Churchill Plan where they raised their large family, and where he continued to live for 66 years before his death. Their kitchen table was a refuge for five generations of family and friends.
A 1951 graduate of Lincoln High School, Al served as Class Vice President. He faithfully attended every reunion, and their monthly reunion lunches, maintaining friendships spanning 86 years.
After humble beginnings working side by side with his father at Jerome’s Barber Shop, where he developed his strong work ethic, Al became a 1957 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He then began a career in chemical sales, including the Philadelphia Quartz Company. Later, as an entrepreneur, he formed several independent companies. In “retirement” he founded Al Jerome Painting, and worked until the age of 82, compelled to help his long-term clients, and to “just keep moving!”.
Al served in the Army from 1953-1955 where he worked as the company administrator of the infirmary at Foot Hood, Texas.
Al was a member of the Ellwood City Jaycees, serving as a past-President and having won one of their bowling championships. He was active in the APA/TAP Pool Leagues, and the Ellwood City Men’s Pool League, winning several championships. He was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan, spending many afternoons cheering on the teams with family and friends. His sarcastic play by play commentary will be remembered fondly.
He had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe and the United States with his children, grandchildren and friends, culminating in a tour of Auschwitz at the age of 86.
His family will remember him for his battle cry of “Charge!” as they went out into the world each day, and as their forever Santa, as he called out each grandchild by name on Christmas day to receive their card. For over three decades he presided over the family’s treasured yearly tradition of Ravioli Day, where he took joy in teaching the younger generations the art of sealing the ravioli, a recipe passed down for generations.
Al was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, son Bruce R. Jerome, grandson Bruce R. Jerome Jr. and brother Tony Reda.
He is survived by children Toni (Tim) Bezek, Mark Jerome (Joanne Pelliccioni), Karen Jerome-Zapadka (Stan Zapadka), Maura Jerome-Carney (Gary Paglia), and Darrell (Paula) Jerome.
He is also survived by grandchildren Natalie Bezek (Jake Nixon), Michael Bezek (Katrina Van Meer), Jake Jerome (Shelby Underwood), Nicholas Zapadka (Angela Couse), Cameron (Devan) Zapadka, Analise Zapadka (Jake Stein), Gretchen DeAngelo, Jed Jerome, Ian Carney (Sarah Suidut), Meghan Carney, and Evan, Ann-Marie and Alec Jerome.
He leaves behind great-grandchildren Elizabeth Jerome, Adira Bezek-Nixon, Talia Jerome, Rosemary Bezek, and two more on the way.
He is survived by several nieces and nephews with whom he remained close.
Al will be remembered for his perceptive curiosity about the world around us, his (often sarcastic) humor, and his gratefulness, resilience and tolerance. Never without a smile, his charm was only surpassed by his compassion. But above all he will be remembered as a devoted husband and father of six children, who made the choice to raise them with love. He was a role model for how to age well and live a full and active life into the nineties.
Donations may be made in his honor to The Salvation Army. While serving at Fort Hood in the 1950’s, Al urgently needed to get home but had no money. The Salvation Army arranged and paid for his flight when no one else would help. Grateful, he promised to donate to them for the rest of his life- and he did.
Al’s children would like to especially thank Ashleigh Zacharewski and Valerie Hurl from UPMC Hospice Services for their compassionate care, especially in his final days.
Cremations services will be provided by Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Per Al’s wishes, there will be no visitation.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 11 at Frank G’s Place, 500 Market Street (Bridgewater) Beaver, PA 15009 from 1:00-4:00 PM.
Online condolences may be offered at marshallsfh.com
“Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.”
—Sir Arthur Wing Pinero
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