This is not an official government website.
© 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Brian K. Fitzpatrick.
Issued
July 21, 2026
house side of the record
People
1
Linked members mentioned in this section
Legislation
0
No linked legislation in this section
Committees
0
No linked committees in this section
Senate Holds
0
No hold activity linked here
Source Document
Connected Data
People mentioned
Source Control
Reader mode is for comprehension. The linked government PDF is the official published source.
Download official House Record PDFReturn to issue contextHONORING GERARD “JERRY” JONAS
(Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an absolute legend, Gerard “Jerry” Jonas of Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, whose passing on July 11 marks the loss of a remarkable American story from the battlefields of Korea to the neighborhoods of Lower Bucks County.
Marine Corps during the Korean war. Like so many in his generation, he came home, took off his uniform, and quietly went to work, building a better future for his family and our surrounding community.
home in Cobalt Ridge in Middletown Township and helped lay the foundation of Queen of the Universe Parish as original parishioners. Their home became a gathering place for their parish and a spiritual anchor, reflecting the values of love, integrity, and responsibility.
Mr. Speaker, Jerry was a gifted and versatile writer. He contributed to America's early space and missile programs as a technical writer and editor for General Electric, helping communicate the work of our scientists and engineers at a pivotal moment in the Cold War. He later led advertising at Ballantine beer, and he spent decades in journalism and sports media.
Even in retirement, Jerry did not stop serving. For more than a decade, he volunteered with Operation Stand Down, working to support homeless veterans in our community. At an age when many would have withdrawn from public life, Jerry leaned in, using his time and experience to lift up those who were struggling at home.
Mr. Speaker, Jerry Jonas' life offers us a clear example of what it means to be a good citizen, a good neighbor, and a good, decent, and honorable human being. He loved his family. He loved our country. He loved Bucks County. He lived his faith, and he worked to leave his corner of the world better than he found it.
Jerry Jonas' story is the story of Levittown. It is the story of Bucks County, of men and women who answered the call to serve, came home, built strong families and communities, and never stopped giving back.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire U.S. House of Representatives and the people of the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania, we extend our deepest condolences to Jerry's family,
Jerry's friends, and all who loved Jerry, myself included.