Derby fishermen, friends and family members mourned the loss of Ed Jerome, longtime president of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby.
Derby fishermen, Island friends and family members this week mourned the loss of Ed Jerome, the longtime president of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby who died suddenly on Tuesday. Mr. Jerome, an Edgartown resident, avid fisherman and former longtime principal of the Edgartown School, had led the derby for many years as its president. He left a legacy of service to his community and the annual fishing tournament he loved. He was 71.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and legion of friends during this difficult time,” a statement posted on the derby website said, after word had gone around the Island Tuesday afternoon about his death, reportedly after shellfishing on Sengekontacket Pond. He died later at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
It was Mr. Jerome who revived the derby from a down period in the 1980s.
It was Mr. Jerome who revived the derby from a down period in the 1980s.
That evening many of his friends gravitated toward derby headquarters. The usual joy at weighing in fish gave way to a subdued mood, with a small memorial of flowers, a candle and pictures adorning the large door that Mr. Jerome opened to start the derby less two weeks earlier.
“It was very healing for a lot of committee members,” said derby chairman Joe El-Deiry. “Just stood around, told stories about Ed. It was somber, but it was also very healing to all be together.”
Mr. El-Deiry said many of the stories were personal, how Mr. Jerome helped one person or another, helped one organization or another. A lot of the stories, he said were funny.
“That’s been one of the things that’s kind of keeping the committee all together. I’ve encouraged the committee to lean on each other. We’re very lucky to be able to spend time with such a great person, and to learn from such a great person. He was a mentor to a lot of us. In sharing stories the last couple days, the biggest thing for me is to keep remembering all of the laughs. We always joked around. We laughed a lot.”
Before the 73rd derby, Mr. Jerome spoke with a sense of wonder and reverence about the tournament’s longevity.
Before the 73rd derby, Mr. Jerome spoke with a sense of wonder and reverence about the tournament’s longevity.
At the weigh station Wednesday night, derby committee member Mike Cassidy was telling stories and showing pictures of Mr. Jerome in his days as principal of the Edgartown School.
“He was principal to my three kids,” Mr. Cassidy said. “Ed Jerome is the modern derby, he really is.”
Mr. Cassidy told a story about Mr. Jerome and the dramatic derby key ceremony, where the winners of the top four categories from a boat and from a shore pick a key at random. One of the keys opens a padlock, and the winners receives either a boat or a vehicle.
“Every year, just before the awards ceremony, he would look a little haggard,” Mr. Cassidy said. “He has the same recurring nightmare of one of the
keys not working. He’s got those locks and keys that he keeps protected all year. I think he spends about two days oiling them, and trying them over and over again. He’s lucky they didn’t stop working from being worn out.”
Mr. Cassidy said one of his most cherished memories happened the day before Mr. Jerome’s death. Mr. Jerome invited him to go out fishing on his boat, but Mr. Cassidy had work commitments and declined. Later, after encountering Mr. Jerome at the post office, the two decided to put work aside and head out on the water.
“I went out with him for four hours,” said Mr. Cassidy. “So I have the privilege and distinction of being the last one to go out and get skunked with Ed Jerome, because we didn’t catch a damn thing. You know what, it gave us more time to talk.”
Many said the loss has colored the derby this year and will be felt in different ways.
Many said the loss has colored the derby this year and will be felt in different ways.
Many said the loss has colored the derby this year and will be felt in different ways.
“Picture the awards ceremony without him,” said derby committee member Dave Nash. “He got such enjoyment out of the key ceremony. Somebody else will have to do it.”
Mr. Nash said Mr. Jerome’s background made him the perfect person to lead the derby each year.
“You could see the school principal in him every day,” he said.
Adam Darack is another committee member who was deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Jerome.
“He was just a remarkable person,”
Mr. Darack said. “Seems like on the Island, the bigger the personality, the more polarizing you are. They either love you or they hate you. Not Ed. Everybody just loved him.”
Mr. Darack noted that it was Mr. Jerome, more than anyone else, who revived the derby from a down period in the 1980s.
Many of Mr. Jerome's friends gravitated toward derby headquarters on Tuesday. Mr. El-Deiry said people told stories both moving and funny.
Many of Mr. Jerome's friends gravitated toward derby headquarters on Tuesday. Mr. El-Deiry said people told stories both moving and funny.
“It was his baby,” Mr. Darack said. “The knowledge that he had, the insight, his instincts, were just remarkable. He’ll be missed.”
In the days leading up to the 73rd annual derby, Mr. Jerome talked to the Gazette about the event. He spoke with a sense of wonder and reverence about the tournament’s longevity, and the lasting friendships formed.
“It’s such a good feeling to know you have such an extended family, all the result of such an incredible event,” Mr. Jerome said. “People cherish being part of the derby. We’re awfully proud to participate in one way or another.”
Mr. Jerome is survived by his wife Maryanne L. (Langley) Jerome and son Nick Jerome. He was predeceased by his son Joseph E. Jerome in September 2013.
Visiting hours will be held in the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services are planned for Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Edgartown.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Joseph Jerome Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2232 or to the MV Derby Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2101, both in Edgartown, MA 02539.
Comments
So sorry to hear this, always
Julian Wise West TisburySo sorry to hear this, always such a gentle and gracious person In all of my interactions over the years
Our community mourns tonight
Mary BoydOur community mourns tonight as we have lost a champion for our children, our fishery, and our Island. Our thoughts with Ed's family and friends, and much shared love with all the fishermen out there looking for tight lines.
What a shock to hear of Ed's
Albert Lana Jr. Westbrook Ct.What a shock to hear of Ed's passing today.Our thoughts,prayers,and condolences to his family.
Ed’s death is sad news for
Nelson Sigelman Vineyard HavenEd’s death is sad news for the entire Island and extended fishing community. No matter the organization — principal of the Edgartown School for 25 years, interim superintendent of the regional school district, interim principal of the West Tisbury School, president of the derby (forever it seemed) — Ed’s was always the firm guiding hand on the tiller.
I served on the derby committee. Deciding any issue in a roomful of fishermen would test anyone’s patience (and schoolyard skills). No matter the issue, Ed maintained a thoughtful and respectful demeanor that did much to calm some of the more contentious meetings. He was a wonderful man. And although he will be greatly missed, I take some comfort in the fact that he died on the Island that he loved doing what he loved.
I am so sorry to hear of the
Cookie Yordon Ct. & W. TisburyI am so sorry to hear of the unexpected passing of Mr Jerome. My father, David Hartigan was a good friend of his. My deep sympathy to his family.
He was my Principal at
Beauregard NYCHe was my Principal at Edgartown Elementary. A good and forgiving man despite my never-ending juvenile antics. RIP Mr. Jerome. ❤️
I was stunned learning about
Steve Saxonis EdgartownI was stunned learning about Ed's passing, condolences to the Jerome family and all who knew Ed. The Fishing Derby Award ceremony, will be bittersweet this year...a sad loss for Martha's Vineyard.
One of the Best. The Island
Thomas C Rapone EdgartownOne of the Best. The Island has lost a legend and a Leader. RIP
Ed was the best principal I
Shirley W. Mayhew West TisburyEd was the best principal I ever worked for - so sorry......
Simply The best!
Jim OBSimply The best!
Ed will truly be missed. His
Virginia Carbon EdgartownEd will truly be missed. His easy charm, love of life and his "Family" I do believe as many I am sure, realize he was one of those People who made a difference. My Grandchildren loved him as their Principal, my daughter enjoyed working for him. Thank you Ed.
In my lifetime on the
Jim nycIn my lifetime on the Vineyard you have a great opportunity to meet a lot of different types of folks.
A few of these people make a deep impression and just personify what being an "Islander" means.
Ed Jerome was such a person. Condolensces to his family and RIP.
A true gentleman in every
The Klein’s EdgartownA true gentleman in every sense and a friend to everyone who met him. He is a legend on Island and will be sorely missed. All the best to his extended family and friends.
Very saddened by the loss of
Kathleen Forsythe Vineyard HavenVery saddened by the loss of our good friend. Ed was the gentlest, kindest man – everyone who knew him, loved him. Our hearts go out to Maryanne and Nick and sending much love and comfort to you and all your family.
My condolences to Ed's family
Nancy Johnson O'Brien Mays Landing, New JerseyMy condolences to Ed's family, was so glad to have seen him at our 70th class birthday last year. RIP ED
Sad news, we’ve lost a good
Nestor VermontSad news, we’ve lost a good one. Thoughts, condolences and love to Ed’s family and friends. As a team mate, classmate and four year class president he honed the skills and personality to navigate the ship with a strong hand on the wheel, warm soul, smile on his face and love in his heart.
I was a friend of Ed’s since
Norman Draper Atlantic CityI was a friend of Ed’s since grade school. He was a member of the team my dad coached in little league, something we talked about (among many other topics) when he returned for our class’s 70th birthday party. It had been a long time since we last talked, and there was too little time and too many people who wanted a moment with him, but it was wonderful to spend the time together that we had.
Something few people remember was that Ed was a member of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol while he was in high school and college. He always worked one of the busiest, most dangerous beaches in the city, and earned a revered appellation... he was known as “a good guard”.
I won’t repeat all of the true and wonderful things that have already said. Eddy will be deeply missed by his many friends here in South Jersey. My sincere regards, best wishes, and condolences to his friends everywhere.
So sorry to learn of Ed's
Kathi Noonan (cousin) Carolina, RISo sorry to learn of Ed's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed was a terrific person.
Vito Priore Edgartown & Bonita Springs, Fla.Ed was a terrific person. Many years ago he and his dad were gracious enough to teach me the correct techniques of fishing the Vineyard. A real treat! May Ed RIP with his dad,
son Joseph, and longtime good friend Sanci Pachico.
Our hearts and prayers are with Maryann and Nicholas.
My prayers to his family and
Victor Zollo EDGARTOWNMy prayers to his family and we shall miss a great man. I hope Ed and Ray Ellis keep a loving eye over all of us on their beloved Island.
Well said Victor!
Richard Canty ChappyWell said Victor!
I’m so deeply saddened for Ed
Carla Cooper EdgartownI’m so deeply saddened for Ed’s family, his friends and the entire community. Ed is an institution in Edgartown. I had just seen Ed at Stop and Shop, we had a nice chat, I told him he looked like a movie star with his swanky blue sunglasses. He patted me on the shoulder and asked how everyone was doing. We talked about my daughter, the fishing and how nice it was to be the only 2 people in line at the deli. I got home, unpacked my groceries, did a few odd things around the house, opened my laptop and read that he had passed. I still can’t believe it. My prayers go out to Maryanne and Nick.
Our hearts are saddened to
Sharon & Michel Mint tremblantOur hearts are saddened to hear of Ed's passing. We have so many happy memories of spending time with Ed here in Mont Tremblant and the Vineyard. Our sincere condolences go out to Maryanne and Nick, such a loss for his family, friends and the island.
What sad, sad news to learn
Ann Heron & Tom Prendergast Sarasota, FL formerly EdgartownWhat sad, sad news to learn of the passing of one of the Vineyard's most dynamic, hardworking, caring men. He was much too young but reflecting on the time, energy & heart he put into every day for so many ... Rest in Peace Ed.
My thoughts and prayers go
Lorry eible Sarasota, flMy thoughts and prayers go out to Maryann, Nick and family...So sad to hear about this loss of such a fine person... R.I.P
... in the eighties one of
Jim Lukas Cotuit... in the eighties one of the more undermining thought was that of the Derby’s demise.
This fella gave it back - with a commitment and patience which only a fisherman would have ....
My thanks
Ed was a pillar of the
Drew Conway EDGARTOWNEd was a pillar of the Vineyard community on land and sea. Alway upbeat displaying that great smile. He was a great Captain, husband, father and friend. He will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers to the Jerome family and the entire Vineyard community..
Ed Jerome will be greatly
David Nash EdgartownEd Jerome will be greatly missed by so many people. He was such a warm, understanding and wonderful man. As he often did during the Derby, on Tuesday morning he was putting in some time doing what he loved to do down at Derby headquarters, telling stories and talking to people. I was lucky to be serving fillet duty at the weigh station and since there were not many fish coming in, I got to spend the better part of the morning listening to his stories and just talking about things in a way that only Ed could.
Maryanne, my husband Mo and
Karen Fanning Hingham MAMaryanne, my husband Mo and I just went out with Ed a month ago on an evening charter. We met you when we came in and saw you the next day at Rags. Though we only spent two hours with him, he had a way about him that was so warm and welcoming, I stepped off his boat feeling at peace. I can’t put into words, but I could just tell he was a soulful person. I am truly so sad to hear of his passing and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Great guy, he was my Freshman
Nick Weiss Dorothy New JerseyGreat guy, he was my Freshman Football & Varsity Baseball Coach when he was at Holy Spirit...
Ed was one of my teacher's in
Kathy McLaughlin Martin Chelmsford, Mass.Ed was one of my teacher's in HSHS. What a surprise, as a young adult, to rekindle a friendship with him in Gilford, NH. My brother and I were friends with Ed for a brief time in the late 70's, and we never forgot, and often recall the fun times we had back then with Ed. I always thought I would see him again. What a lovely man, and a wonderful friend. My condolences to you and your family. Kathy
Our daughters grew up looking
Rusty McClure Dublin, OhioOur daughters grew up looking forward to charter fishing with Ed each summer.
They brought their friends and later their husbands.
While I sat up top and BSed with Ed...They always caught fish.
RIP my friend - the Grove City College running back with a tremendous soul.
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