[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4696-H4697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GERARD ``JERRY'' JONAS

  (Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. 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withdrawn from public life, Jerry leaned in, using his time and 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,

[[Page H4697]]

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.

                          ____________________