Jerome Whidbee, known to many as “Rome,” age 74, of Spring Valley, transitioned on Sunday, March 7, 2021 surrounded by his loving children at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York. He was born to Virtley King Whidbee and Leon Anthony Whidbee, Sr., who predeceased him. He was named after his mother’s brother and was the youngest child and last surviving member of his family of origin.
Mr. Whidbee attended Nyack Public Schools, where he was a triple threat athlete in the 1960s – playing football, basketball and baseball. He was a born leader, serving as quarterback, point guard and short stop. In recognition of his athletic accomplishments, Jerome was inducted into the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. After graduating from Nyack High School, he received a scholarship to Tennessee State University, which he attended briefly before returning home to Nyack. Throughout his life, he continued to enjoy his love of sports, playing football with the Rockland Warriors semi-professional team and softball with the Apollo XII team.
Jerome worked in the maintenance department at the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg for 15 years, before moving to a position at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw where he worked until his retirement.
He enjoyed watching westerns and sports. He was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan who was grateful to see them win the Super Bowl in 2019.
Mr. Whidbee was the proud father of four loving and devoted children, who survive him – Ronald Troy (Lisa), Todd Alexander (Pam), Selena Marie and Venita Denise (Will). Also left to cherish his memory are 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, one niece, two nephews, and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by his sister, Bernice Framulare (Whidbee) and brothers, Bernard Whidbee and Leon Whidbee, Jr.
He was simple, humble man who never complained.
He will be greatly missed by all, especially his children, in whom his legacy will live on. Special recognition goes to Jerome’s eldest child, Ronald, who was exceptionally devoted to him. Ronald loved and cared for his dad until the very end, and the bond between them will live on forever as “what is grief if not love persevering?”
-Aye Stay Sharp-