PM - Testimony: Jerry Sullivan

A Life of Service
By Janice Hanes

Jerry Sullivan (standing with Vicki Robison in the picture to the right) was born on April 19, 1942 to Daisey and Dan Sullivan in the Harrisburg Hospital. He was welcomed home by his two brothers, John and Dean. Jerry’s family lived on Main Street in Steelton, PA his entire life.

Jerry has fond memories of playing with his two dogs in the snow. As a child Jerry always enjoyed helping others. He was very helpful to his mother in keeping the house nice and clean. He would also run errands for the family and neighbors. Jerry was always on the go.

After beginning school at the age of 6 at St. James Catholic Church he encountered a situation that would forever change his life. Jerry was playing with his father’s guns while his father was at work as a motorcycle policeman and his Mother was upstairs hanging curtains. Unaware that the guns were loaded, Jerry tried one and it went off. The bullet lodging in his neck. With little hope of survival Jerry was in critical condition for a long time. Fortunately Jerry did survive, however he did experience brain damage.

When Jerry was old enough he began to work at Good Will Industries where he unloaded trucks and helped in the store. As an adult Jerry worked in a cafeteria at an insurance company where for twenty years he washed pots and pans. At this time, Jerry was living with a friend of the family for many years, traveling to and from work and helping her to take care of her house.

After this friend died, Jerry came to Paxton Street Home for an interview in 1992. He and his family liked Paxton Street immedately. Jerry moved in when we had an opening and has lived here ever since.

Jerry continued to work at the insurance company for another four years without a vacation. At the age of 54 Jerry decided it was time to retire and enjoy life a little.

Although Jerry officially retired in 1996, he has been a tremendous help to the community at Paxton Street Home. He is always available and willing to do a good deed. For example, every night Jerry can be seen taking out all the garbage in our kitchen. And he toured with our play "The Captain and his Crew" during the Springs of 1998 and 1999 helping with set-up and serving as a "wavemaker" during the storm scene.

Jerry has a great sense of humor and is always ready with a kind word of blessing to those he intereacts with. He is loved by all in the community and has been a delightful friend and helper. In many ways, Jerry makes our lives at Paxton Street Home a little easier. Jerry was our first resident volunteer to be awarded Resident of the Week for his willingness to serve.

Jerry is an encouragement to all to use the gifts that God has given us. Thank you for your faithful service. We love you, Jerry!

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