Obituary of Earl L. Jerome

Earl Lloyd Jerome, 69, of 806 Queen Anne Road, Amsterdam died peacefully on Sunday, March 3, 2019 after a brief illness. 

Born in Massena, New York on April 13, 1949, he was the son of the late Evelyn Richards and Everett Jerome.  Earl attended Massena schools and later SUNY Canton. 

In 1966, at age 17, Earl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of Lance Corporal.  After being stationed at Camp Lejeune, and later Okinawa, Lance Corporal Jerome arrived in South Vietnam as a machine gunner with the 2nd Battalion of the 9th Marine Regiment.  In July 1967, during Operation Kingfisher, Earl was seriously wounded.  Earl was eventually shipped to the St. Albans US Naval Hospital in Jamaica, Queens, where he would spend 11 months in recovery.  For his actions, Earl received the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in 1968.

In 1970, Earl married his childhood sweetheart, Sherry Bombard. Their marriage lasted almost 49 years.  Earl was a self-employed painter for many years.  In addition, he worked locally at the Poplars Inn, and Richardson Brands Co.  He and his wife also operated Sherry’s Tack Shop and later Featherwood Farms.  Earl was a devout Catholic and a member of Corpus Christi Church, where he served as an usher.  He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Earl will be remembered for his love of family and country.  He also enjoyed horseracing, classic rock music, and his collection of Marvel trading cards.  Earl loved animals and the natural world.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife Sherry; two daughters, Julie (Christopher) Bablin of Ballston Spa, NY and Michelle (Nikki) Lanoue of Palm Bay Florida; and three grandsons, Nicholas, Joshua and Matthew Bablin.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Gary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 11 AM at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake, NY 12151.  A calling hour will be held prior to the Mass at the church beginning at 10 AM.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend.  Interment with military honors will take place at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Earl’s memory can be made to Corpus Christi Church.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com