In early March, GHAA’s Head Custodian Eugene Jerome passed because of a heart attack.
This came as a surprise to the entire staff and student body, and drew many to tears.
He was a truly enlightening presence, striving to help whomever needed it.
I greatly regret the fact I never got to know him well. What I did know about him was that he always worked to help others and kept an air of friendliness no matter how well he knew a person. I’d pass him in the halls and he’d flash a smile, not caring about the fact we never held a full conversation.
I hope that this article captures even a sliver of the gratitude and appreciate of the teachers and students.
Mrs. Maze, our capstone teacher who was close with Eugene, has collected testimonials about him from several teachers, both former and current:
Emma Brown: I just met Eugene this year but he truly made an impact on me. The first time I ever talked to him was when he noticed my Dexcom which in turn struck up a conversation about the common ups and downs that us fellow diabetics have to go through. I was so lonely at that point in the year, I was new and a freshman and felt so out of place, but Eugene changed that. From then on he always checked on me and made me smile when I saw him. Whenever I brought in cookies for everybody I always made sure there was one left for him, it was the least I could do for his kindness. When I heard of the tragic news I was struck and distraught. Eugene is a wonderful human being who I’ll miss so much even if our interactions were small because they made the school feel like a true community.
Raynette Holmes: Eugene was the man! He was kind, helpful, and had a great sense of humor. One of my favorite memories of him involved the couch in my office. Students weren’t allowed to sit on it, so Eugene, always thinking ahead, gave me plastic to cover it—”kid-proofing” it, as he called it. The best part? Whenever he stopped by to say hello, I’d jokingly offer him a seat on “the couch.” Without fail, he’d just wave me off with a laugh, knowing full well he wouldn’t sit there either. That was Eugene—always in on the joke, always bringing a little extra joy to the day. One day Eugene popped his head into my office and said, “You know, that couch might outlast all of us.” I laughed, shaking my head at his effortless joking. Life isn’t just about the big milestones or achievements; it’s about the people we meet along the way, the laughter we share, and the kindness we extend. Eugene may have just been “the man” to some, but to me, he was a reminder that even the simplest gestures can brighten someone’s day. Though he may no longer be here, his warmth and humor live on in the memories he left behind. And every time I look at that couch, I can still hear his laughter. I will miss him.
Erin Andrus: Eugene was extraordinarily kind and helpful to everyone. He lifted us all with his smiles and his words. I personally really appreciated how he offered to take care of our gardens over the Summer and our classroom plants over the vacations. Our building always ran more smoothly on days he was here and we will all miss him greatly.
Plaisy Fernandez: When I first started working at GHAA, Eugene helped me clear out my current office. He was a truly great soul—always welcoming, always willing to help, and someone we could always count on. His kindness and presence brought warmth to everyone around him, and his absence is deeply felt. Though he is no longer with us, the impact he made and the memories we shared will always remain. I will sincerely miss his warm welcoming, no matter what kind of day we were having, he’d always say hi or bye. Thank you Eugene for all that you’ve done for us, you will truly be missed.
Ashley Hanse: Eugene was the first face, smiling face, and first friend that I encountered when coming to Arts High. His kindness and selflessness was immediately evident. He helped me set up my room, technically both rooms, and always went out of his way to make sure that I had everything that I needed. It truly set my heart at ease about the transition. He consistently went above and beyond to help me and so many others. I looked forward to and loved every encounter and time spent chatting with him. His calm and kind demeanor immediately welcomed all in his presence and would instantly and consistently brighten all of my days. He was like sunshine: His light, care, and positivity to the building and to all of us in it will be forever appreciated and forever missed. You will never be forgotten. Sending love and missing you always.
LaRee King: We never know how our lives will significantly impact those around us. Eugene’s daily professional contributions better enabled all of us to reach and educate our students. His attention to details, and provided support was a significant contribution to the education of young people and to the moral of everyone.
Francisco Cardona: Eugene was always very genuine and friendly to me. I remember one of our first conversations was about how much he loved the “Deftones” because I was wearing the band shirt at the time. We would share our love for gaming and I would always bother him for his gamertag so we could connect online, he was always so on the go getting stuff done at GHAA that we never connected on that level to have any quests or gaming adventures together. He was one of the few people I would allow to call me Franky because he was such a cool solid dude.
Christine DeLenta: Eugene had a way of always looking out for me, checking in to see if I needed anything and always offering a helping hand. His presence was a gift—his smile, his warmth, and his unwavering willingness to be there for everyone. I will miss him terribly, but I will carry the memory of his kindness with me always.
Kelly Whitham: I remember once he rescued a number 5 balloon from one of the rooms with very high ceilings. A girl had brought it for her Quinceañera and let it go, so he came in with a ladder to bring it back down for her again. That was my first and main impression of him, but he seemed like a cool guy.
Eugene was one of the most selfless and kind people I know. He went far above and beyond to help students and staff of our school. He truly cared without any agenda whatsoever.
Nancy Doherty: “Hey Nance, anything you need? Just ask…. you know I ‘ll do it for you!” This is how Eugene would greet me. What an amazing young man,….such a loss to us, his family, and to his girlfriend. We had a few ‘ how was your weekend? ‘ chats in the hallway. The most memorable was when he told me he went with his girlfriend to Clinton Crossings Outlet Stores. I smiled. He said what? I said no boyfriends do that! You’re the Best! She’s lucky to have you!
Kate: Eugene had a heart of platinum. Anything I needed, he did: put my 1,000 piece desk chair together. Got me a filing cabinet. Got me a desk. Got me shelves. Helped me move a variety of extremely heavy things up and down the stairs without a single complaint. We also spent a good deal of time in the elevator together moving my classroom stuff. These moments were brief; however, they were not at all unremarkable. Each time I finished a conversation with Eugene, I felt better. Lighter. Sillier. Happier. I felt truly cared for. Even if he was rushing around doing 87,000 things —which he often was —-Eugene had a way of making every person feel cherished, charming and important. I hope that wherever he is, Eugene knows that he was and will remain cherished, charming, and important. I will miss him dearly.
Tobias: Spent quite a few mornings talking with Eugene about sports. The Mets, the Knicks, and knowing your team is going to let you down but getting excited anyway. Was always willing to help with my rooms fluctuating temperatures.
Nick Chanese: I remember a day last school year when I was able to present Eugene with a CREC Shining Star – just a small token for people who go above and beyond in their roles. The reality is that Eugene deserved a Shining Star on a daily basis for his care of the school and all the people in it. On this particular day, I radioed him to come to the cafeteria where the rest of the staff was waiting. He walked in and I was able to read a the nomination and present him with the award. I remember him looking at everyone with that honest, genuine smile while still trying to be humble about the recognition, saying – as he always did – “Anything for you guys,” as the staff clapped for him. He shook my hand, gave me a hug, and went back to work. I feel like that perfectly captures the human being that he was: joyful, giving, and dedicated. Eugene was such an amazing member of the Academy Family, and I will miss him dearly.
Melanie Guerin: It will be said many times (because it’s true) that Eugene was truly dedicated to his job. He loved helping people. He would always be checking in to see if I needed anything, and when I did need something, he would try to find a way to do even more than I had asked for. Eugene also loved this school very much. A memory that I will keep with me is his first day back after an injury had kept him out of work for several weeks. I saw him walking down the hall and called after him to say hello, and he turned and had the biggest smile on his face. I could see that he was so happy to be back, and he limped over to give me a hug. Eugene is the perfect example of how doing your work with a sense of joy and purpose can help lift everyone around you.
Kaitlyn Oberndorfer: Eugene was and is nothing short of one of the most giving, thoughtful, and selfless men I have ever known- and this statement is devoid of exaggeration. He constantly dedicated himself to service, humility, good humor, and compassion in every walk of his life at GHAA. From the moment he joined us, Eugene made it clear that he was a listening ear, a shoulder, and a dependable superhero (although he always shrugged off compliments every single time) to everyone in the building. To say he did his job well would be an understatement. He redefined it and made it in his own image in the spirit of friendship and family. He never really felt like our head of custodial services because that title alone couldn’t capture all he was and the light he shared with us. He was much more of an instant big brother, kindly uncle, or favorite cousin with limitless skill, knowledge, and hope. He never kept you wondering how he felt about you or his work, he always told you that he wanted to do the best he could for his friends. To speak about him in the context of his job feels like a disservice because working with him or spend time giggling with him never felt like being on the clock. We didn’t hang out with Eugene because we were coworkers with him, or (just) because he gave his all to us and to this building. We did it because we loved being with him, because of who he was at his very core.
In the coming days and weeks, there will be no shortage of stories about work moments with Eugene from countless staff members in every department. Knowing Eugene, I would bet an entire year’s pay you’ll hear stories from how much our kids loved him too. Eugene is a man spoken of just as much as you see him. Every time his name was mentioned, it was mentioned with adoration and a sense of assurance that he had your back. Staff and students of their own will would voluntarily cut each other off to mention how much Eugene cared, how much we cared for him, and how much he extended of himself beyond what the position even required. He had the best fist bumps, endless hugs, the brightest laugh, and managed a smile no matter what. I know we were so fortunate to personally tell him how much we cared about him and missed him (when he got hurt), but I hope he really knew who he was to us.
On a goofy note, I hope he knows how fun and funny it was to hang out with him last year when I had a classroom upstairs. He was such a good friend and sport with Small and I getting our rooms together and “shopping” in the furniture in the backrooms with him. He was always swinging in to make sure we were okay and comfy upstairs. We had so many laughs with him about stupid things upstairs and thanked him endlessly for his help. Not to rat him out, but we totally pulled him in to hang out for longer than we should have! He was the biggest mother hen to us and especially me over my elevator access. It really was like having a big brother around. He spent time with us all through GHAA PD when he could this year and did the same thing. We totally knew he would help us and make the move fun too. Eugene, Jorge, and I set up the silliest three-person pyramid to hang up the flags outside of Tobias’s room. Eugene wouldn’t leave until he insisted over and over that I stop hanging them up by myself. At the end of the year, I don’t think I’m taking those flags down.”