Jerome P. Hendel

Jerome P. Hendel (Jerry) of Deer Park, passed away on Thursday, June 17 at the age of 97. Beloved husband of the late Margaret F. Hendel (Peggy) for 58 wonderful and loving years. Devoted father to Gerard, Barbara Hendel-Coyne (Lenny), Richard (Olga), Patricia, Robert (Michele), and Kathleen. Loving grandfather of Brian, Briana, Ricky, Matthew, Stephan, Ava, Noah, and Lauriana. Beloved brother of the late Louis (Catherine) Hendel and loving Uncle of the late Robert Hendel.

Jerry has left this world but will certainly never be forgotten. Jerry was born on a farm in Melville in 1923 and was the son of the late Henry and Barbara Hendel. He graduated from Bishop Laughlin High School in 1941. At a very young age, Jerry found a love for anything Notre Dame but especially for Notre Dame Football and his idol Knute Rockne. Jerry’s dream was to go to college at the University of Notre Dame, and his Aunts Mary and Lizzie made that dream come true by paying for his tuition. Jerry’s college was interrupted while he served his country in the Navy during World War II as an Ensign. When Jerry was discharged from the Navy, he finished college at the University of Notre Dame on the GI bill, and Jerome graduated in 1947. In 1960, Jerome married the love of his life Peggy at the University of Notre Dame Basilica in South Bend, Indiana. Jerry was a devoted Catholic and parishioner at Saints Cyril and Methodius Church for over 50 years. He had a special love and devotion to our lady on top of the Golden Dome, the Blessed Mother.

For Jerry, love always guided all decisions and aspects in his life. One just needed to hear him talk about his wife, family, friends, baseball teams, or of course Notre Dame to see that love transcended all in his life. He rarely could talk about any of those memories without getting all emotional, tears welling up in his eyes as he told countless stories of how proud he was of all.

Jerry’s spirit and energy was infectious and without end. When asked, he always said he was born with that spirit, but that the spirit was also cultivated at Notre Dame which he loved immensely. That spirit was handed down to his kids, grandkids and all his baseball teams throughout his 25 years of coaching. You had to play for Mr. Hendel to know what that spirit was. You couldn’t see it or touch it, but when you went out on that field for him, you played with that spirit and would go through a brick wall for it.

Jerry’s love for Peggy was unconditional. He missed her immensely when she left us almost 3 years ago. Her hand was always there for him, but Jerry trudged forward cultivating further relationships and creating new memories with his family and grandkids. But alas it was his time to grab her hand firmly and live happy again with his beloved Peggy.

Jerry, you left us all with beautiful memories and your love will still be our guide. Although we cannot see you, you’re always in our hearts. You earned your wings and will always be our hero and Guardian Angel. When you left us, you didn’t go alone; you took a big piece of our hearts with you, the day God took you home. Today, we will honor your legacy and celebrate your life as you wished. But when a man as great as yourself leaves this earth, we all must also shed a tear. May you rest in eternal peace with Peggy and look over your family from above. You were and always shall be THE Notre Dame Man. From the top of the Golden Dome to the Gates of Heaven, we chant your favorite rallying cry:

WHO’S THE MAN!
HE’S THE MAN!
HE’S THE NOTRE DAME MAN!!
JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!