Jerome Schrager, 94

FRANKLIN, N.J. – Jerome Stanley “Jerry” Schrager, born May 19, 1928, passed peacefully at home on April 12, 2023, in Franklin surrounded by loving family members.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jerry lived in Northern New Jersey for most of his adult life. He was a past member of Temple Agudath Israel, of Caldwell, New Jersey, for many decades as well as a past member of the Pinebrook Jewish Center.

Jerry was a graduate of Midwood High School, in Brooklyn. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees at both Lowell Tech School of Textile Engineering (now U Mass Lowell) and City College for chemical engineering prior to earning a master’s degree in polymer science and chemical engineering at NYU. After a successful career in the engineering field, Jerry spent many years as a consultant designing factories for Foster Wheeler, of Summit, New Jersey.

Jerry had a famous green thumb and was an avid gardener. His tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini and English peas were legendary. You could never leave his home in the growing season without a bagful of fresh vegetables. He introduced Swiss chard and kohlrabi to a generation of youth and adults who had never heard of these healthy veggies. He was also an early advocate of growing flowers along with his vegetables. Jerry grew his vegetables organically, never using pesticides, before it became fashionable to do so.

Tennis was another of his passions, playing with his best buddies almost daily for decades.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Steil Schrager, of 25 years and was pre-deceased by his wife, Sandra Druin Schrager, of blessed memory.

He is survived by his children, Mindy (Stanley) Wachtenheim and Bonnie (Jeffrey) Padulsky, both of Miami Beach, Florida; Amy Schrager, of Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey; Dr. Harry Schrager (Dr. Lynn Halpern), of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts; and Eric (Debbie) Schrager, of Livingston, New Jersey.

He was the adored grandpa of Arielle (Nick) Werner, Denille (Jordan) Sachs, Remi (Steven) Feld, Zachary Padulsky, Samy Schrager, Sydney Schrager and Andrew Schrager and the proud great-grandpa to Lucas, Annabelle, Mila and Lila.

Jerry was the stepfather of Michelle (Ed) Specht, Mark Steil and Larry Steil, of blessed memory.

Contributions may be made to: Avidd Community Services of NJ, 92 Broadway, Denville, NJ 07834 (Aviddnj.org) or Jewish Alliance of Greater RI, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 (jewishallianceri.org).