Hello Melissa,
There are no words that can help ease the pain, but remember that all your friends are with you in this moment. And always. Jerry will live forever in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched.

Jerry was the first person I met in DCPS. In June of 2007 I was told to go to McKinley and assist with the first day of summer school. At 7am, he was the person that met me at the door. His character, perseverance and unyielding focus on whats best for students is what I will remember most. I'm a better educator because of the time spent working with him.

Dear Melissa,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember meeting Jerry at Maribeth and Hector's house - a truly charming man.

If we all took just one lesson from Jerry's play book, this world would be a better place. God speed Jerry, we love you and count ourselves blessed and lucky to have had you in our lives!

Dearest Melissa, Natalie, and Benjamin,
My deepest sympathies to you all. I am so sad that your family must endure this terrible sorrow and so wish it could have been otherwise. It is clear that Jerry was a very special person and has left a wonderful legacy. We must all do good things in his honor.

"Jerry was a kind man; he was patience and thoughtful but a fierce advocate for children. He will be missed.

Melissa, We were shocked and saddened to hear the news about Jerry. Our thoughts are with you and your children and we welcome the opportunity to contribute in Jerry's memory.

"The purpose of life is to live with a purpose" Mr. DeMarchi you did just that.He has touched so many lives and we thank you for showing the students at McKinley Tech your hard-work, dedication, love and support for others. To the Family; Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Mr. DeMarchi you will truely be missed!!!

I met Jerry last year when he offered to coach Natalie & Benjamin's baseball team, and was immediately drawn to his warmth and enthusiasm. He got such a kick out of telling me how excited Natalie was to get her "baseball costume." My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family.

Thank you Mr.DeMarchi for your time, dedication and commitment to us students of McKinley Tech. Your presence and warm heart will always be felt within us all. We will miss you and we will not forget the mark you have left and the road of success you paved for us!

I did not know Jerry well but what stood out to me was his smile. He was a loving and dedicated father who was always there at Westover events with family. Our heart and prayers are extended to your family. May these precious memories last a lifetime. The Martin Family.

Beloved by his students, family, friends and acquaintances, Jerry will live on in our hearts until the last of us have gone on to join him.

Jerry was a high quality educator, a good friend, and a dedicated parent. He was an important contributor to the creation of the McKinley community.

I will always hope to contribute as Jerry did in his life.

Mr. DeMarchi was one of the many great leaders at McKinley Tech. His smile, kindness and sense of humor will forever be remembered.

I hope to be a blessing to others as he was and will always continue to be.

In my work with Jerry, I felt Jerry's strength, his kindness, his honesty, his enthusiasm, and his ability to move people. He made me want to spend time with him, to learn from him, to be better because of our interactions.

To honor Jerry and his memory, Melissa his wife has decided to set up a scholarship called Giving Back. This scholarship will be for a deserving student that demonstrates exceptional community service to improve the world around them - just as Jerry always did. We will update the site with information on how to donate in lieu of flowers or food.

Tom & I will always remember Jerry's warm smile and genuine enthusiasm for life. He will be missed.

Jerry could always make me smile. I remember one day when I was struggling with my kids at the pool and I asked him how it was for him this second time around. He told me that he was so lucky to have found a great partner in Melissa, and how much he loved his older boys, and he was fortunate to have a second opportunity to raise Natalie and Benj. That inspired me. Jerry will be missed.

Jerry was such a bright light in the Sherwood Forest community. Whenever our paths crossed, Jerry always had smiles and friendly words. Our family was touched by him and fortunate to have known him. His time here was way too short.

I always looked forward to a chat with Jerry, because I knew I would walk away with a smile. Jerry was one of the kindest people we have ever known. We will miss the joy he spread so wonderfully with that smile. What a fun baseball coach he was for Adam! We are grateful to have had our lives touched by his light. Our hearts go out to Melissa and the kids. -the mathew family

Whether in the halls of Westover, a kid's baseball game or neighborhood gathering, Jerry always shared that wonderful smile and kind words with me and everyone around him. I count myself as one of the lucky ones who crossed his path and will always remember that beautiful spirit of his.

I can think of a no more fitting tribute to a man that I am honored to call my friend. We are all blessed to have Jerry as a part of our lives forever.