.png)
Obituary: Jerome (Jerry) Hard
Jerome (Jerry) Hard, a devoted family man, gifted educator, and cherished friend, passed away on Aug. 28, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on June 12, 1934, in Litchfield, Connecticut, Jerome was the beloved son of Ernest and Anne Hard. He was the seventh out of 10 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his six brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, who was his steadfast companion and confidante throughout their long and loving marriage.
Jerome met Mary Anna Kizer in 1965 and after a whirlwind six-month courtship they were married on April 29, 1966. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and enduring memories. Jerome was the proud father of two children, Bonny Reed, married to David, and Ernie Hard, married to Sunshine. He leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom to his six grandchildren: Isaac Martin, married to Katy, Brandon Hard, married to Kaitlyn, Devin Reed, Dylan Reed, Jacob Hard and Donovan Reed, as well as three great-grandchildren: Sophie Martin, Luke Hard and Hadley Martin.
A man of varied interests and talents, Jerome graduated from Red Hook High School, New York, in 1952 before serving his country with honor in the Navy as an Electronics Technician Petty Officer Third Class. His service included a memorable year in Morocco. After his military service, Jerome pursued studies at Wheaton College with the intent to become a minister, but he soon realized his true calling lay elsewhere.
His journey took him to San Francisco, where he worked as a Greyhound bus driver, and later to Juneau, Alaska, where he instantly fell in love and vowed to remain there the rest of his life. He fished commercially during the summers and in 1970, Jerome attended the University of Indiana, South Bend, where he earned a degree in education. He dedicated his professional life to teaching and nurturing minds in both elementary and middle schools until his retirement.
Jerome was a man of integrity, known for his honesty, humor, and storytelling prowess. His love of learning was evident in his passion for reading and his constant quest for knowledge on diverse subjects. He was a builder, creator, and inventor at heart, always exploring new ideas and concepts.
While his professional accomplishments were many, Jerome’s greatest joy came from the love of his family. His warmth and kindness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
Jerome will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will remain forever in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace, reunited with those who have gone before him.
