In 1924, George J. Losty and Delina
Russell welcomed the arrival of baby Jerome. Jerome's biological
parents were unable to care for Jerome due to circumstances unknown.
George and Delina took
baby Jerome into their
home, which was already
full of children, and cared
for him while he was an
infant. During this time
everyone became so attached
to
baby Jerome they they
feared someone else might
come along and want to adopt him; so, before any one could, they did so
themselves. Jerome was born on December 24th.
Whenever asked if
Jerome was adopted, Delina would respond, "Yes, but don't tell
Jerome". Delina felt if Jerome knew he was adopted he
might not feel as much a part of the Losty family as he would have not
knowing. She loved Jerome very much, as did everyone, and wanted
nothing to put a wedge between the bond that had been formed between
Jerome and his sisters & brothers.
Click
here to enlarge the group photo
Well,
despite Delina's efforts, Jerome knew that he was adopted and often made
comments about the differences in
characteristics between himself and the other children. But, he
always did so in a fun, good natured manner. Jerome had a happy
childhood in the Losty home with loving parents and many brothers and
sisters, cousins, aunt's and uncles and grandparents all living in the
City of Holyoke.
Jerome graduated high school and at age 18 he enlisted in U.S.
Army Air Force. Jerome was accepted for the Army on July 28, 1943,
volunterring with a group from Board 78. The day after Jerome was
accepted into the Army his brother William, a U.S. Navy Sailor was
reported missing. Three weeks later Jerome reported for special training under the A-12 Program. Reference
Upon leaving the service Jerome enjoyed the
freedom of bachelorhood so much he never married.
Jerome Losty passed away in 1991 and
was laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
