I had the honor of caring for him for a short time, and in that time I came to know how truly gentle and sweet he was. He carried a loving spirit that was felt in the smallest moments. I am grateful I had the opportunity to be part of his care. My heartfelt condolences to the family! 

Jerry was like a second father to us. Our story began when we walked into Jerry’s Place eons ago looking for the sandwich shop. It was around noon, the place was empty, I knew immediately it was not the sandwich shop I remember. This smiling gray-haired elderly gentleman wearing shorts greeted us. “First time here?” was our greeting. “I have the freshest seafood around.”

Our thoughts, sure you do. Next to a Mr. Tire and in this small location. Ok, lets look at the menu. Try anything once.

Carl saw Calamari on the menu. That’s when the conversation really took off. Carl informed Jerry that he spent his teenage years in Spain, and he knew what properly prepared fresh and properly cooked Calamari was. We had been trying to find someone who could do that for 25 years.  No one could cook it!!

Jerry said, “So, what are you looking for?”  We responded, “Fresh Calamar, lightly breaded, and fried just right. Not over fried to a crisp. “Jerry responded, “Just give me a minute.”

He returned with a plate of Calami piled high and there were tentacles! We were in heaven. Jerry sat with us and we talked. We learned about him and his family and he learned about us. From then on, we supported Jerry’s Place every week. Jerry called me the “Calamari Lady!’  He would tell the waitress, “Make sure she gets lots of tentacles!’

In 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After receiving Chemo Treatments, Carl and I would stop at Jerry’s for the only meal I might keep down. I would order a half order of Salmon Blackened and Marinated. It was usually about noonish and quiet in the restaurant. Jerry would sit with us and offer so much needed support to me. (As you all know, he went through it before with the love of his life.) His caring and supportive words helped me get through those long difficult weeks. I thank him for that.

We all have been blessed to be touched by such a generous, loving, thoughtful, caring human being. The best we can do is to keep his legacy alive and continue to share and tell our stories about Jerry. Wh Have been so blessed.

All our love to Jerry Jr., the entire family, and the patrons who became his extended family.

Sue and Carl Hammond

“The Calamari Lady”

jerry was a joy to talk to peggy and family my sincere condolences for his passing the life he built with the grace of god two successful restaurants and a wonderful family May the memories carry on 

1. Kirby and I met Jerry in 2008 at his restaurant and felt instantly at Home.  He was a character that we enjoyed and the food is always outstanding.  Jerry and Peggy are together.  God Bless
2.  

Our doctor told us to eat more fish and less red meat. My husband and I did not want to do that. Coincidentally, Jerry’s Place had opened a few months before and my husband was working with Jerry’s son-in-law‘s brother, who told us we must go there. The very first time we did we fell in love with Jerry, who tried to introduce us to every fish that he got in or caught himself, knowing we were big babies when it came to seafood.  He would come rushing out, “try this try this you’ll love it. You’ll love it!”  Often he would get something in after we had finished our meal and had dessert and still bring us a full plate of something just to try. It was always fresh and delicious and we were always surprised at how many new fishes we loved!

We went there every week —sometimes twice a week. We became friends with the entire family, and Jerry became our Maryland dad. He was a force of nature, a charismatic, lovely person who just wanted everyone to enjoy his food and have a wonderful time.  He instilled that in everyone who worked at his restaurant and came to his restaurant. He was infectious in his exuberance and had a smile that welcomed you and made you feel right at home. Just look at the restaurant he created—pictures of his customers and friends, mural of his loving family and beautiful vibrant, color, and you can see his influence on everyone he met. 
it is a comfort that he is with Peggy and is in no pain. He will be sorely missed Buy the entire community, and especially me! I loved loved loved that man. Rest in peace, our beloved Jerry  ❤️❤️❤️💔💔💔💔