Jerome Bernini Caughlin

Jerome Bernini Caughlin, 62, of Holyoke, MA, died of brain cancer surrounded by his loving family at home on July 2, 2018. Jerry was born in Michigan to John and Jeannette Caughlin and is the youngest of five siblings: Timothy, Christopher, Kathleen, and Patrick, whom he looked up to and tried his best to emulate. Following high school, he volunteered in Kentucky where he met Maryanne, his soulmate, partner in life, and best friend for over 40 years. Jerry and Maryanne had two daughters, Brook and Carey, later welcoming Conor and Berkley into their family as well as two grandchildren, Larkin and Anorah. Family meant the world to Jerry and he was always grateful to be a part of such a large, loving circle including his parents, siblings, and Maryanne’s siblings and parents, Frank and Margaret Bernini. This ever-expanding circle included many good friends, four in particular: John, Pat, Gigi, and Woody, with whom many wonderful memories were created. Jerry worked for years as a UPS driver where he enjoyed meeting the people on his routes and serving as the Union representative. He never shied away from a challenge, including getting his Finance Degree at the age of twenty-six while raising two young children and teaching himself carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and mechanics. He also shared his father’s fascination with the stock market. Jerry loved to travel, from the rolling hills of Ireland to the heights of Machu Picchu. He had an insatiable curiosity, whether it was an interest in everyone’s story or trying to figure out how things worked. Jerry’s humor and kindness towards others were present to the very end. Even when he was not feeling his best, he remained concerned that others felt welcomed and comfortable, and was always cracking jokes and flashing his infectious grin. Two organizations played a vital role in how we as a family negotiated this challenging diagnosis and helped us to continue to live and love life as best we could. We are grateful for the men in the Cancer Support Group who held a special place in Jerry’s heart. We also want to thank the entire staff of the Cooley Dickinson VNA Hospice team for their support in these last months. Their presence in our lives was invaluable. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Jerry, both of these organizations were a crucial support to us these past eight years: The Cancer Connection, 41 Locust Street Northampton, MA 01060 and the Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information, 1100 Peninsula Blvd Hewlett, NY 11557. Jerry will be loved and missed by many. In memory of his amazing life, family and friends will gather for a celebration of life at Gateway City Arts on July 14th. Please RSVP for further details.