I had no plans at all! From the first call to Dale Groce, letting him know of Jerry's passing, he was at Carepartners Solace in 20 mins. He was greeting everyone, and his compassionate nature was overflowing!! He said they would be there, no rush to plan, just to let him know when we were ready. That made the whole process for us to plan just open up. We met, planned as Dale's professionalism was evident from the start. He listened as we talked, taking notes, and asked us to tell him about Jerry. Dale Groce and his staff were Amazing!! They helped us turn a very sad situation into a wonderful celebration of Life. We are forever grateful for Groce Funeral Home. 10 isn't high enough!
I worked for (with) Jerry when he and Barbara owned the Little Professor Bookstore in Portsmouth, NH, for five years in the early '90's. They weren't merely employers to the staff, they were truly friends, a rare flower, that. I recognized immediately that Jerry's comic sensibility was unlike any I had encountered in real life. He was a true intellectual, a deep thinker, a terrific writer, and a man of iron convictions -- and funny as hell. I often wrote down his aphorisms. Barbara remains one of the kindest people I have ever known, and they were both a great and kind support to me at a difficult time in my life. I have not seen either of them for some time, but they will always remain a warm and valuable part of my memories.