Jeremiah F. Lombardi Jr.
Sep. 03, 1921 - Apr. 25, 2022
Jeremiah F. Lombardi Jr. passed away peacefully at Danbury Hospital on April 25, 2022 at the ripe old age of 100. He was the husband of the late Anne Marcelle Mortimer.
Son of Jeremiah F. Lombardi Sr. and Mary (Tomaino) Lombardi, Jerry was born on September 3rd, 1921 and lived most of his life in Danbury, Connecticut. Jerry and Anne, his wife of 54 years, also owned a treasured oceanside home in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Jerry graduated from Danbury High School and would remind his family with amusement that he was voted “best natured” by his classmates. That temperament as well as a quick, dry wit were precious, lifelong traits. Jerry graduated from Duke University in 1943 with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in economics. In March of 1943 he was called to duty and as a member of the United States Army was sent to infantry training. But at Duke University he had already met Anne, the love of his life, and after four years of dating they married on January 15th, 1944. After training as a glider squadron mortar gunner, Jerry was initially unable to leave for the European Theater due to a health issue. In 1945, he was instead shipped to the Philippines. Following an interview and in recognition of his educational abilities, Jerry was assigned to serve as Staff Sergeant in Replacement Command Headquarters for the Western Pacific Theater until his discharge in April of 1946. Jerry and Anne then moved to Danbury to pursue their professions and raise a family.
Jerry joined his father for many years in the operation of the J.F. Lombardi Insurance and Real Estate Agency. He served as the president of the Greater Danbury Board of Realtors, Chairman of the committee which established the first Multiple Listing system and the first president of the Multiple Listing Service once it got underway. Jerry was also President of the Greater Danbury Insurance Agents Association. He served as Tax Assessor for the City of Danbury for two years and was a member of the Town of Danbury Veterans Housing Authority prior to the consolidation of the city and town of Danbury. In addition to the family business, Jerry served for many years as the head of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Danbury. As such he administered the acquisition of real estate, the relocation of families and businesses and the construction of flood control to renew the downtown infrastructure after the floods of 1955 and 1957. He disbursed all federal grant funds for both redevelopment and community development programs which implemented city improvements such as the creation of Patriot Drive and the establishment of the Housatonic Area Regional Transit system (HART). In 1986 Jerry retired as Director of Redevelopment and Community Development.
Jerry was a member of St. Joseph Church in Danbury and in 1946 he joined a group of men to create what later became the City of Danbury Catholic War Veterans Post 1042. He was the first Post Treasurer, a past Post Commander and an active member of the Catholic War Veterans Executive Board. In October of 1996, at the 50th Golden Anniversary of Post 1042, he was the Guest of Honor as the only member to have been active for the entire 50 years. Speakers included in their accolades his wise leadership as well as his warmth, kindness, and friendship. Jerry was a member of the Lions Club of Danbury for 64 years and still attended their weekly meetings. He was a past Secretary, served on numerous committees, and was Chairman of the Project Committee which constructed the Highland Avenue playground. He was also recognized as a Life Member of the Amerigo Vespucci Lodge of the Sons of Italy and a member of the Greater Danbury Men’s Club.
Jerry had a passion for the Yankees, biographies, crossword puzzles, golf, and the ocean. He was deeply committed to his community and friends. But most of all he had an enduring love for his family. He was a devoted husband who displayed unending compassionate support and love during his wife, Anne’s, long illness. He was an extraordinary father who was always available with intelligent, constant, and loving guidance for his children. He modeled and instilled in them the virtues of honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic.
Survivors include his daughters: Marianne Lombardi of Newtown and Joan Bybee of Danbury; his son Robert Lombardi and his wife, Carrie, of Newington; and his three grandchildren: Monica Lombardi and Jacqueline Lombardi of Connecticut and Stephen Lombardi and his wife, Sheriden, of Texas.
Memorial services for Mr. Lombardi will be held privately at the family’s request.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the City of Danbury Catholic War Veterans Post 1042 Scholarship Awards Program, 2 Shalvoys Lane, Danbury, CT 06810.