Joseph Jerome Phifer, 72, of Hollywood, FL died at 4:45PM on Thursday, June 14th after his 9 year battle with colon cancer.
Known by his middle name, Jerome was born October 24th, 1939 in Germantown, PA, the first child of Joseph Benjamin and Emily Wilhelmina Phifer. Jerome was raised in Oreland, PA and North Miami, FL, graduating from North Miami High School in 1957. Jerome also graduated from Dartmouth College in June 1962, having married his sweetheart, Kerstin Molin of Stockholm, Sweden, two days earlier. After serving as a Captain in the US Army in Ceggia, Italy, Jerome earned an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York City. Jerome began his business career in 1968 as a securities broker in Boston, MA, and by 1986 became a real estate investor, in which capacity he continued until his death. His wife Kerstin predeceased him in 2003.
Jerome is survived by loving aunt Elsie Kohler, sister Emily Jane Phifer, brother William Harry Phifer, sister Margaret Evelyn Smith, in addition to children Monica Britt Poulin, Jerome Scott Phifer, and Jerome Keith Phifer as well as his 8 grandchildren.
Jerome is also survived by his partner Carolina Verhoef.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 23rd from 12 to 2PM at Boyd Panciera Family Funeral Care.
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Linda Jennett Perusse (Holliston MA US)
June 20, 2012, 12:00 am
I am so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. My heart aches for all of you. I have very fond memories of your parents. Please know I hold you all close to my heart. Take care, stay healthy and happy. My Love to all of You. xoxoxo
Cheryl & Bill Newman (Simsbury CT Usa)
June 21, 2012, 12:00 am
We are so sad for the loss of our friend Jerry. He was such a great guy, fun to be with, intelligent, interesting, warm, humerous, silly , generous, but at the same time has been known to be stubborn, valiant, loved to argue/ debate, and was passionate about his family of whom he was protective and proud.
Driving me to the train from his home was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. That’s when I knew his technique was indeed genetic having driven with Emily on occasion..We will remember fondly the many phone conversations , his big warm smile, twinkle in his eye when he was teasing which he loved to do, his determination to beat the odds which he did for many years.
God bless you ole buddy and Godspeed!!!!!
You are a wonderful power of example to all of us.
Bill & Roz Phifer (Woodland Pk NJ USA)
June 21, 2012, 12:00 am
We all grieve at Jerry’s passing. We loved him. All will miss his humor, insight & wit. May he rest in peace. Love, Bill & Roz.
Greg Snead (dallas GA)
June 21, 2012, 12:00 am
I can’t shake the memory of the summer I came up to Mass. to spend the summer after my dad passed. One of the best summers I had. I’ll miss you. Rest in peace Uncle Jerry.
Renee & Chris Rodkey (Hamilton NJ)
June 22, 2012, 12:00 am
We are saddened by Uncle Jerry’s passing, but are thankful for the recent time we were able to spend together. Rest in peace. We will miss you.
John and Jenn DePhillips (Plymouth MA)
June 22, 2012, 12:00 am
Phifer’s sorry to hear the news of your father passsing. I have many fond/hilarious memories of him growing up around your family. His character’s uniqueness could not help but leave an impression on you. To this day I still laugh out loud remembering him coming to pick Keith, me and a bunch of our friends at junion high party in his 2 seater Jaquar. The Barney and Baily circus clowns had nothing on us. Our thoughts and prayers with you
Erica & Jimmy Pelusio (Morris Plains NJ)
June 23, 2012, 12:00 am
We were very upset to hear about Uncle Jerry. We are very grateful and will remember the time we spent together over the past few years. You will be missed.
DON HANSON (MELBOURNE FL U S A)
June 23, 2012, 12:00 am
REMEMBER JERRY FONDLY FROM NORTH MIAMI HIGH SCHOOL. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Carole Milott (Wayland, MA 01778 FL United States)
June 27, 2012, 12:00 am
Hi Monica and Scott,
We are so sad about your dad. We haven’t seen him in 20 years but rememberall the fond times we had with Jerry and your mother in Sherborn.
Matthww c McMahon (Easthamton Massachusetts)
July 8, 2012, 12:00 am
My Uncle Jerry was one of the best men I have had the privilege of knowing. I hope to be half the father, man, and confidant that he was, to his family and children. I loved him very, very much and wish I had had the opportunity to tell him how much he helped me. My fondest memory of him was when he scolded me for misbehaving. Looking back I know now that he really cared. He was just like his father Grandpa Joe whom I loved very much. I love you, Uncle Jerry!! I’ll see you in my thoughts and dreams until I meat you at the Pearly Gates.
pat patrick (FL)
July 11, 2012, 12:00 am
so sorry about the loss of your brother.your love for him was so self evident by your dedication of your time ,for at least the last 6 months,to taking care of him.All siblings should have the love that you showed toward your brother toward each other.