Jerome Peter Fitzgerald

     Jerome Peter Fitzgerald, 64, of Shoshone, passed away August 2, 2019 after an extended illness.

     Jerome was born March 25, 1955 to Clement and Agnes (Monahan) Fitzgerald in Seattle, Washington.

     The second born in a family that would grow to ten children, Jerome grew up on a dairy in Marysville, Washington. He and his siblings helped their parents on the farm selling organic milk and spring water in the Seattle area. The farm was next to a golf course and he and his brothers learned to play by watching golfers as they went past the farm and then sneaking on to the course after hours. They also earned money by selling the golf balls they would fish out of water hazards.

     Jerome graduated from Marysville High School in 1973 and went on to Everett Community College where he played on the golf team. After he graduated from ECC, he transferred to the University of Washington. Jerome earned a B.S. in Chemistry in 1978.

     When suburbia encroached too close to their family farm, the Fitzgerald’s moved their operation to Shoshone, Idaho in 1981.  Jerome worked with his parents to establish Alto Plano Farms. After his father passed away a few years later, Jerome partnered with three of his brothers to form 4-Bros Dairy.

     Together with their siblings, the four partners worked together to move the herd from 20 milk cows to over 10,000 head.  Jerome specialized in identifying good quality milk cows and traveled throughout the United States to find the best candidates for the 4-Bros herd.

     When he wasn’t on the dairy, Jerome traveled all over the world on hunting and fishing expeditions. He loved Central America, especially Managua, Nicaragua.

     No matter where he roamed, he always found his way to his home-state of Washington. He loved to fish along Hood Canal, spending time with life-long friends.

     Jerome was an avid football fan. He held season tickets to watch the Seattle Seahawks and UW Huskies, but was a die-hard Boise State football fanatic. He was a fixture at family tailgates at Bronco Stadium.

     He relished the role of “Uncle Jerome” to his 26 nieces and nephews and 10 grand-nieces and nephews. He doted on the kids and always had a word of advice, piece of trivia or conspiracy theory to share with them. His love of the land and wildlife in North Shoshone was passed on to his nieces and nephews by teaching them to fish and hunt as soon as they could stand on their own.

    He is preceded in death by his, brother Matthew (1979), his father, Clement (1984), and his mother, Agnes Fitzgerald (1995).

     He is survived by his siblings: Patrick, of Twisp, Wash.; Clement (Karma) of Shoshone, Andrew (Michele) of Shoshone; Lawrence (Denise) of Shoshone, Anthony (Tamarra) of Twin Falls, Gerry Fitzgerald of Shoshone, Dorothy (Dan) Sammartino of Eagle and Elizabeth (Frank) Elfering of Eagle.

     Jerome had a kind heart and was often the first to offer help to those in need. He was known to deliver loads of meat and potatoes and other groceries to area food banks. Donations can be made in his name to Hope for the Hungry Food Bank, 112 South Apple, Shoshone, ID 83352.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held August 22 at 4 p.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church at 161 6th Ave. East, in Twin Falls, Idaho. A private family burial will follow on a later date.

     Jerome requested a party in his honor so please join the family in celebrating his life at 5:30 p.m., August 22, at Canyon Crest Event Center, 330 Canyon Crest Drive in Twin Falls, Idaho. In honor of Jerome’s famous sweet tooth, guests are asked to bring their favorite desserts to share after dinner.

     Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone Chapel.

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