I was in Bernardsville today and went by all of their graves (Becky and Karl, my father, grandfather and great grandparents), then went by the store…and stumbled upon this page as I relived the nostalgia through google searches. 🙂 Thank you.

During our research we asked for feedback. Not sure where you were but perhaps you can steer me to a more accurate story about the man, his accomplishments , or his life that was deeper than ours? I don’t think so. Some think he a treasure. Others thought just a crotchety old man, a very similar set of feelings towards the story we wrote about Irwin Richardt of Liberty Corner. To each his own. This is why we call it a retrospective. And you don’t need to know a person personally to write a story. We had plenty of feedback. Happy Independence Day.

First, you spoke with no one who knew him personally, no one who has lived a lifetime here, no one who has also collected stories about Karl. He was a generous man, often kind, a huge supporter of all activities in our schools, while he quietly dealt with the PTSD that came home with him from a brutal ww2 experience.
There is so much more to the beauty of that store, rich with history and connections to 100s if not thousands of children and adults who frequented it. From the weight machine, the box young ones needed to step on to see the candy, his deep cooler that seemed to have no bottom, and the historical mementos and signage scattered on the walls, it’s all etched in our memories, part of a cherished childhood, rowdy teen years and adults who stopped in for a pack of smokes and a six pack on the way home from work.

Did you know the memorial parade was privately funded? Mr Jerolomen wrote a check for what the shortfall was for decades. That’s just one of hundreds of Karl stories out there.
I was at his wake and funeral. My daughter placed three caramels in his casket so he would have them with him always. He would always share them with her when we came in. She would sit on his stool, and he would get caramels from his private stash and ask about her day, especially what she learned in school. He was kind, encouraging, and gentle. Did you know caramels are his favorite candy? Just writing this so many emotions and memories flood my mind.

There have been several Facebook posts where bvilles kids comment about Karl, some scared, others amused, and some who knew the man himself, remember his dark humor, strong work ethic and deep love for Bernardsville. Robert Desidario can steer you to those Facebook discussions.

And you left out Becky’s son, Bob, a talented musician and veteran, who ran the store with his mother for years, taking over after her passing. He has since left us as well. The store was sold because the long days and schedule with few days off each year could not be covered by one person. Except Karl.

Mr Jerolomen is a treasure and a part of the childhood of those of us who are from bernardsville, no matter where we live now. And most of us long for a twin popsicle on this hot, summer day. Or the coldest beer in town. Or a small brown bag filled with several pieces of bazooka gum , a couple of swedish fish, a few jawbreakers, and, of course, 3 or 4 caramels.