Jerome Anthony Zervic, 83 of Crystal Lake, was born in Chicago to Anthony and Wanda (Krukar) Zwierowicz on May 8, 1939. Jerome grew up as an only child. He lost his father at the age of 13 and soon became “the man of the house”, taking care of his beloved mother from that day forward. After high school he attended DePaul University and Berklee College of Music - Boston, where he honed his love for music, especially jazz. Upon graduation, he entered the army where he served state-side and played saxophone across America in the United States Army Field Band.
After the service, Jerome returned home to Chicago where the music scene kept him busy and thriving as a commercial jingle writer, music producer, and composer for many local and national artists. He soon met and married his love, Colleen, and settled down in the northwest suburbs where they raised their two daughters. A devout Catholic with deep Polish roots, and a stickler for honoring family traditions, Jerome never missed Sunday mass (or a meal), raised his family in the church and taught his daughters by example how to live by faith.
Jerome was a musical entrepreneur at heart. A creative dreamer, and “larger than life” storyteller. The definition of “old school”. He rarely followed the rules, loved golf, maraschino cherries, and the color orange. He took his coffee with cream and sugar, lacked the patience of a saint, showed up early for every occasion, was a loyal customer of Aldi, long before Aldi was cool, and unapologetically marched to his own beat. He loved his family but he lived for his grandchildren. Jerome attended every sports game or school event with his trusty red lawn chair by his side. And although he never had a social media account, Jerome had hundreds of followers and was well known to all as simply, Grandpa Jerry.
Jerome died peacefully on July 23, 2022. He is survived by his daughters Julie (Ken) Ellinger and Deborah Dunlea; his grandchildren Bailey Colleen Ellinger, fiancée" Cade VanRooyen, Aidan Reece Ellinger, Jack Riley Dunlea and Colleen Marie Dunlea. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Wanda, and his wife of 23 years, Colleen Marie (Gallagher).
Visitation will be on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, from 9-10am with Mass at 10:00am all at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Crystal Lake Central Athletic Department or Rau Center for the Performing Arts.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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My most sincere condolences for your loss. Jerry was a ton of fun and loved his family more than you could ever imagine. May he rest in the peace and love of Christ as he dances in heaven with the love of his life for all eternity.
Julie and Debbie - You are lucky to have such a special father. I can tell you have many, many special memories to look back on with love and happiness. Our family sends you our sympathies and love always. Miss you, Nancy Roos
Julie and family, this is a beautiful tribute to your father. God Bless you all. We will be contributing to Rau, as we have that special connection with you there. Nikki and family
My deepest condolences to the Family of Jerome. He was such a wonderful man and had such beautiful accomplishments in his life. It was an honor to be able to know him and be able to take care of him. I will always have him in my heart. Sending much love and blessings to his wonderful family.
Our hearts are with you all. He was a good man, so caring and funny! His love for you all showed every time we saw you together. You made him proud.
My sincere condolences to you all. Loved being friends with Jerry and taking him places. I loved his story telling and honored him for his service. Jerry always spoke from the heart about his dear family whom he loved so much. Rest In Peace my dear friend All my love Michele xxxx
Dear Julie and Family, We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, Jerry. We did not know him but I remember you sharing stories about him going to all of Aidan's games, never wanting to miss any of them. May the memories of your father bring you comfort and peace through this difficult time. Marialena & Bob Estrada
We extend our sympathy and prayers to Jerry’s family. We know how much he loved and valued all of you. You all are his legacy and he was proud of you all. Be at peace.
Our prayers are with your family. Jerry was such a special person to all who knew him. He always had a smile and a kind word for all.
Julie, after reading the passage about your father, he certainly had good taste in color and the right foundations of life, clearly he brought joy to you and your immediate family. As an only child too, I can resonate with his passion for life and his creativity and his "joy" at being the around for all family events and giving love to all. Again, please remember all the funny things he did, said or made you laugh about . All the best to you and your family. Bernie Vogel and family
Julie, Debbie - Our thoughts are with you and your families during this time of loss. I have fond memories of our holiday visits and wish you all the best through this time of loss.
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. - KE
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Your family is in my prayers during this sorrowful time.
Best neighbor and friend. We love and miss you Jerry.
Jerry was a very good man. I am positive that my mom Adele, my sister Karen & my husband Kenny have welcomed Jerry to his new home in heaven.
We knew Jerry very well. He loved Lake geneva and spent a lot of time here.He was at our house many times and he was always fun. Sorry to see him Go.
Our deepest sympathies to his beautiful daughters and grandchildren. I enjoyed talking music with him after daily Mass and his heartwarming smiles. May you all feel the comfort and strength of our heavenly Father during this time of mourning.
Greetings from Marlene K. Goodman. I only discovered, today, that Jerry had passed on. I send my condolences to all who may see this. Jerry and I had worked together for some years on a project that came to be known as "Myron". I am the artist who created all the images associated with this character. I think Jerry was very creative and hard working to the end. I would love to hear from anyone in Jerry's family. I would like to know how he has been for the last months. It has been a while since we communicated. My number: 847-243-4141 Cell: 847-819-7998 marlenekartunist@att.nety
Julie and Debbie - You are lucky to have such a special father. I can tell you have many, many special memories to look back on with love and happiness. Our family sends you our sympathies and love always. Miss you, Nancy Roos