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House of Representatives

Honoring Gerard "Jerry" Jonas

2026-07-21 Issue 119 Showing 1–1 of 1

Official Congressional Record ↗

Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Republican

“A man named Jerry Jonas died. He served in the military. He wrote words for a missile program. He wrote ads for beer. He volunteered to help homeless veterans. He lived in my district. I like when people from my district are nice. Jerry was nice.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an absolute legend, Gerard ``Jerry'' Jonas of Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, whose passing on July 11 marks the loss of a remarkable American story from the battlefields of Korea to the neighborhoods of Lower Bucks County. As a young man, Jerry answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean war. Like so many in his generation, he came home, took off his uniform, and quietly went to work, building a better future for his family and our surrounding community. In 1956, Jerry and his beloved late wife, Elizabeth, bought their home in Cobalt Ridge in Middletown Township and helped lay the foundation of Queen of the Universe Parish as original parishioners. Their home became a gathering place for their parish and a spiritual anchor, reflecting the values of love, integrity, and responsibility. Mr. Speaker, Jerry was a gifted and versatile writer. He contributed to America's early space and missile programs as a technical writer and editor for General Electric, helping communicate the work of our scientists and engineers at a pivotal moment in the Cold War. He later led advertising at Ballantine beer, and he spent decades in journalism and sports media. In each chapter of his career, he brought the same curiosity, craftsmanship, and work ethic that defined his heroic military service. Even in retirement, Jerry did not stop serving. For more than a decade, he volunteered with Operation Stand Down, working to support homeless veterans in our community. At an age when many would have withdrawn from public life, Jerry leaned in, using his time and experience to lift up those who were struggling at home. Mr. Speaker, Jerry Jonas' life offers us a clear example of what it means to be a good citizen, a good neighbor, and a good, decent, and honorable human being. He loved his family. He loved our country. He loved Bucks County. He lived his faith, and he worked to leave his corner of the world better than he found it. Jerry Jonas' story is the story of Levittown. It is the story of Bucks County, of men and women who answered the call to serve, came home, built strong families and communities, and never stopped giving back. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire U.S. House of Representatives and the people of the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania, we extend our deepest condolences to Jerry's family, Jerry's friends, and all who loved Jerry, myself included. May God bless the memory of Jerry Jonas, a devoted husband, a devoted father, a proud marine, and a lifelong servant to our community.

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