Tony Jerome, a photographer, editor, and one of the nicest guys I have ever known died last night, well before his time. He had been fighting liver disease for a number of years, and passed away in the hospital with his family by his side. He was my editor at the paper, and a good friend as well. He was such a good photographer and so committed to doing the best work imaginable. He was also so supportive of all the photographers who worked with him. He was a wonderful editor as well, taking great care to talk with writers and editors to understand the nature of the stories, and then to talk to the photographers with suggestions of some of the best ways to illustrate them. He also worked harder than anyone, both as an editor and a photographer. Writers and editors loved him and he would always bend over backwards to help anyone - to make everyone's job easier. He was also a passionate fisherman, and loved nothing better than to spend a day in his boat on the water, fishing. He would come to the office after a weekend completely sunburned, and grinning from ear to ear when he talked about his fishing expeditions. It just seems inconceivable to me that he is gone...
I am so sorry you have lost such a great friend. He sounded like a terrific man. I believe the picture has captured the essence of the man. You can see it in his eyes. His family I imagine would love a copy of this everyday moment. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you for the sad and untimely loss of a colleague and good friend. May his spirit live on through his family, friends and his photographs!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your condolences. It really does seem unimaginable to me that he is gone...
ReplyDeleteThere were not too many people at Newsday who was as universally loved and respected than Tony Jerome. His calmness and serenity made it so much easier to do the work we did under such chaotic conditions.
ReplyDeleteKen, I am in shock too, loved loved loved working for Tony. I just adore this photo too, looks so like how I remember him at work. Feel so bad to hear this sad news.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to see Tony's happy, smiling face on your blog. He was indeed the sweetest man and always so pleasant to work with. Such a good man. We will all miss him. Thanks, Ken, for your lovely tribute to Tony.
ReplyDeleteThough I only met Tony face to face a few times I can honestly say he was one of the nicest professional photo professionals I ever dealt with. Over the past 14 or so years freelancing for Newsday he always gave praise to a good job done. I can still hear his voice on my home answering machine looking for me. I will miss him. God bless....
ReplyDeleteKen,
ReplyDeleteYour photo and words capture Tony's essential kindness. Thank you for sharing them. We join you in missing him.
I am sorry for your loss, but think about your tribute to him and how lucky we are to have people like Tony cross our lives and make a difference.
ReplyDeleteJoan
I love him so much as a boss and a friend.... missing him already! Thank you so much for the photo. I've seen his many faces ( literally) - good and bad times! . I like to remember him like the photograph you took. Not sure if I still want to go to the wake. I am afraid to see him tomorrow. your friend ( am I?) you know who - "ribit"
ReplyDeleteKen, Thank you for posting such a lovely tribute to my father. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and my father spoke of your photo blog on many occassions. While he went through so much, he is finally at peace and while he is not physically here, his presence will always remain. It is clear that he has touched the lives of so many (for the better). Thank you again for this beautiful tribute in his memory.
ReplyDeleteJeannette
Ken, that picture is the essential Tony. He was the gentlest, kindest guy, and took on so much work with great good humor. He lives on in our memories.
ReplyDelete