Obituary of Jerome McIntosh

The Honorable Jerome McIntosh was the second of 10 children born to the late Lucius and Clarice McIntosh on September 8, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA. His family eventually relocated to New Jersey in 1950, where Jerome would go on to attend the Winslow Township Elementary School District and subsequently graduate from Overbrook High School in 1958.

Jerome was highly skilled in different types of masonry work, which led him to a lifelong career in this field. Over the years, he managed and led three companies: McKinney Construction, Fairview Tradesman, and finally Jerome McIntosh Construction Company, where he employed many young men in the community.

Jerome’s commitment to serve others further expanded as he became the second African American to serve on the Berlin Township Council. He was first appointed by the Mayor to the Berlin Township Planning and Zoning board in 1983 and served for over 22 years. He was later appointed by the Mayor to the Berlin Township Council in 2003. This was followed by his first elected position in 2004, where he remained until his passing. Councilman McIntosh was also a member of the Berlin Township Historical Association.

In addition to these accomplishments, Jerome had a significant spiritual impact on his community. He became a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Berlin in 1965. Over the years, he served in many areas: Administrative Board (where he was once Chairman), Trustee Board, Lay Speaker, Bus Ministry, and the Youth Ministry — where he truly found his passion. He was a well-respected spiritual father and mentor to hundreds of children, and was affectionately known as “Uncle Jerome” to them all. As membership increased and a larger edifice became necessary, Jerome played a pivotal role in the building of the new structure of St. John’s United Methodist Church in 1984. He was one of the leaders responsible for obtaining the grounds and management of the construction of the church in which we worship today.

One of Jerome’s favorite scriptures was Psalm 91, a portion of which reads as follows: “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Jerome is now rejoicing with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.

Jerome was preceded in death by his baby brother, Lucius McIntosh, Jr.; four sisters: Audrey Wilcoxson, Masrene Morine, Loretta "Kitty" Robinson, and Beatrice Cain; three brothers-in-law: Moses "Pete" Farrell, Odaree Cain, and Belton Robinson; and two nieces: Clarice Carter and Audrey J. Wilcoxson.

Jerome leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 59 years, Rosa McIntosh; his three children: Jerome J. McIntosh (Nonie), Sharon Wright (Nicholas), and Trina Moore (Stacy); seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five sisters: Marian Martin (Albert), Lucille McIntosh, Gwendolyn McIntosh, Julia Woods, and Clarice Carter; dear friend, Mayor Phyllis Jeffries Magazzu; and a host of loved ones.