In Loving Memory

Jerome Romania Hardwick

March 18, 1956 — October 9, 2025

March 18, 1956, was a Sunday marked by a major nor’easter that brought a severe blizzard to the Mid-Atlantic states and southern New England. In the midst of that storm, Jerome Romania Hardwick entered the world—gentle, steady, and full of warmth—the complete opposite of a force of nature. Compassionate, empathetic, and deeply loyal, Jerome devoted his life to his family, his friends, and his passions.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jerome R. Hardwick was the first-born son of Willie C. and Ozella E. Hardwick. He was educated in the Cleveland Public Schools, where his early years reflected his commitment to learning and community.  Jerome attended Charles H. Lake Elementary School, where he received awards for perfect attendance for four consecutive years, as well as recognition for his participation in Physical Education, Service, and Art. During the summers of 1965 and 1967, he earned Certificates of Merit for his participation in the Glenville Youth Athletic Association Baseball Training Program.

In 1968, the Hardwick family moved to Maple Heights, where Jerome continued his education at Maple Heights East Junior High School. There, he received an Athletic Award for outstanding performance in basketball. He also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Cleveland for his service in the Traffic Safety Program during 1967–1968, in cooperation with the Mayor’s Traffic Safety Education Committee. In 1970, Jerome was again recognized for his community spirit with a Certificate of Appreciation from Maple Heights Safety Town for his work as a Volunteer Instructor.

Jerome graduated from Maple Heights High School in 1974. An avid athlete, he excelled in basketball and track, earning the admiration of teammates and coaches alike for his dedication, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

A lifelong learner, Jerome valued education and continuous growth. He earned an Electronic Technician Diploma from DeVry Institute of Technology in 1976 and a Building Maintenance Diploma from the West Side Institute of Technology in 1995. He furthered his education at the Horizon Computer Center in 1997, completing coursework in Microsoft Windows and Server Systems, and at the Xerox Learning System program in Leesburg, Virginia in 1990, where he studied Leadership Through Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Problem Solving, and more. He achieved multiple professional certifications, including Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS).

Jerome’s motto was “Do what you love,” and what he loved most was technology. He could build a computer from scratch and often repaired and upgraded them for others under his sole proprietorship, T-Bone Computers. His home office—always full of motherboards, cables, hard drives, monitors, keyboards, and software—was his happy place.

In 1975, Jerome married Linda Pinkard in Cleveland, Ohio, and from this union came three beautiful daughters: Angela Marie, Jennifer Rose, and Michelle Lynn. A devoted father, Jerome encouraged his daughters’ academic and professional success, offering them wise counsel and unwavering support throughout their lives. Jerome was also proud of his son, Devon Sr, whom he loved dearly. Hè was also a proud grandfather to Curtis Jr, Marie, Beau, and Devon Jr., who were constant sources of joy. He loved sending them postcards from his travels, a small but cherished tradition that reflected his thoughtfulness.

In March 1989, Jerome met the love of his life, Renée Holcomb. From that moment, they were inseparable. Jerome affectionately called her his “Queen.” Their relationship was marked by deep love, mutual respect, and laughter that filled every room. For 36 years, they built a beautiful life together—traveling the world, supporting one another’s dreams, and creating countless memories.

Although their ideas of “vacation” differed—Jerome preferring relaxation by the pool while Renée sought adventure and learning—they found perfect harmony through cruises. Together, they sailed to Hawaii, the Eastern Caribbean Islands: Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and San Juan; the Western Caribbean Islands:  Cayman Islands, Key West, Cozumel, Mexico, and Costa Rico.   Other international travel included trips to Jamaica, the Bahamas, Sint Maarten, Spain, Morocco, and Italy.  They also enjoyed exploring the United States, with favorite trips to Florida, New York, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, Kentucky, Georgia, California, and Martha’s Vineyard. At the time of his passing, they were planning his 70th birthday cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas.

Professionally, Jerome’s career was as dynamic and dedicated as his personality. He began at Motorola, Inc. in Chicago as a Final Test Technician, and later worked for Xerox Corporation for twelve years in Cleveland, Chicago, and Dallas in roles including Product Support Representative, Customer Relations Representative, and Dealer Sales Manager. His expertise led him to positions with Taylor Management, Trend Consulting Services, Intellnet/InPro Systems Corporation, Allstate Insurance, and Ford Motor Company. He retired from Charter Communications (Spectrum) on December 31, 2023, as their primary IT Helpdesk Specialist.

Jerome’s passion for sports was unmatched. He loved football, basketball, baseball, track, and golf—but his heart belonged to his beloved Cleveland Browns. He was a die-hard fan who never gave up on his team, no matter the season’s outcome. Jerome also loved horse racing, faithfully following the Triple Crown races each year. He and his friend Joe Patterson often met at Northfield Park or MGM to place bets—a pastime that became a joyful annual ritual.   They spent hours looking at handicaps, analyzing the past performance of the horse, considering the jockey and the trainer, and factoring in race conditions such as weather, race distance, track surface (dirt, turf, synthetic).  Renée, the banker, didn’t gamble but wanted to support her husband’s hobby, so she would place her own small bets, usually choosing horses simply because she liked their names—and to Jerome and Joe’s surprise, her horses often won!

Another of Jerome’s joys was cooking. He owned three turkey fryers, a smoker, multiple grills, and air fryers. Holidays were his time to shine, grilling everything from ribs and burgers to chicken and bratwurst. He loved to experiment with new recipes, especially hearty soups, often throwing together creative dishes from whatever ingredients he found. Always curious, he watched YouTube videos and cooking shows to learn new dishes and experiment with new recipes. His kitchen was his lab, and his meals were made with love.

One of the highlights of the year for Jerome was taking his godchildren, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren to the beach each August. He would pack deli meats, bread, condiments, fruit, chips, and drinks, and off they would go—armed with sand buckets, beach balls, and excitement. Both Jerome and the kids looked forward to this adventure every year. It became a cherished family tradition filled with laughter, sunshine, and the simple joy of being together.

Jerome’s faith was a quiet but steady presence in his life. He grew up in his family’s church, Lee Memorial AME, later attended Antioch Baptist Church, and in 2019 joined South Euclid United Church of Christ, where he remained an active and devoted member.

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Jerome Romania Hardwick resigned his earthly appointment at South Euclid United Church of Christ to join the Church Triumphant. There, he is reunited with his mother, Ozella E. Hardwick, his brother Alan G. Hardwick, and his nephew Alec Hardwick Kube. He now rests in eternal peace.

Jerome leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Renée Michéle Holcomb Hardwick;

Children: Angela (Curtis) Clark, Jennifer Hardwick, and Michelle (Monroe) Lollar; and Devon Gule Sr; Grandchildren:   Curtis (CeeJay) Clark Jr, Marie Olivia Clark, Beau Orion Clark, and Devon Gule Jr.; Father:  Willie C. Hardwick; Sisters-in-law:  Denise Holcomb, Carmen Lucette Brown, and Vanessa Jordan; Nephews:   Blake (Rebecca) Kube, Oscar (Ravenae) Brown III, and Otis Brown; Nieces:  Darcella Lambert, Marcella Parker, Denise (Terry) Craig, Leah (Daniel) Moore, Rachel (Willie) Scott, LaTasha (Jamel) Watts, Lucetta Jordan, Tamika Jordan, Tanisha (Nikki) Holcomb, and Taletah (Eric) Pruitt;   Aunts:   Nancy Prior and Joyce Williams; First Cousins:   Ernest (Loretta) Williams, Kathy Cushmeer, Benjamin (Etonia) Todd, Jennifer Chappell, Carlos Williams, Cheryl Taylor Harrison, Ronald Taylor, and Winslow (Debbie) Taylor;  Godchildren:  Elliot (Mijiza) Miller, Reese Miller Jr., Justin Chappell, Sanáa Miller, Elliot Miller Jr., and Maalik Jerome Richardson; Special friends:   Alexis Vaughn, William Saunders, Joseph and Peggy Patterson, Tamara Chappell, and the Brown Liquor Prayer Group; Friends To Grow Old With:  Oliver Ragsdale Jr., Brenda Y. Terrell, Ernest L. Wilkerson Jr., Janet D. Morgan, Darnell Brown, Terri Hamilton Brown, Montez Martin Jr., Jacqueline McLemore Martin, Archie Green, Debra Green, Michael Shepherd, Tamara Horne; and a large, loving extended family including grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for his warmth, intellect, humor, and kindness. Jerome’s life was one well-lived—rich in love, laughter, and legacy.