Obituary of Jerry William Haston

Dr. Jerry William Haston a longtime resident of Laverock, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectantly on Friday, April 1, 2022 at Abington Memorial Hospital. He entered this life on April 5, 1941 in Buena Vista, Virginia. Shortly thereafter, the family resettled in the iconic college town of Lexington, Virginia. Jerry was the eldest of six sons born to the late Raymond and Virginia Haston. He never forgot the importance of good manners, common courtesy and a robust work ethic instilled by his parents. Known in his hometown as "Butch", he attended Lylburn Downing High School where he excelled in science and math and was a talented athlete. He was very thankful for his early teachers and mentors; their influence helped pave the way to a bright and successful future. Upon graduation in 1959, Jerry went to live with close relatives in Pennsylvania while attending Temple University School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia. A very courageous and auspicious move! Jerry began his distinguished career as a hospital pharmacist at Albert Einstein Medical Center- Southern Division where he worked for over 10 years. There he met his wife-to-be Lenora Redd, a senior nursing student, whom he married in 1966. The couple had one child, Rhonda Lynn Haston. Also, during this time, he worked at night in retail pharmacy at Broad and Susquehanna. Often, he would regale in telling stories about the colorful and loyal customers he met there. Jerry served his country honorably and with distinction as an active member of the U.S. Army Reserves – Medical Corps for five years. Although the marriage ended in divorce after twenty-four years, Jerry and Lenora remained close friends and travel buddies. They spent time together at family gatherings especially during holidays and on special occasions and delighted in being devoted and doting grandparents to their only grandchild, Michael Cameron Buckmire. Jerry accepted Christ at an early age and was steadfast in his Christian journey. As a devout Baptist, he attended church regularly and found peace and contentment at the Enon Baptist Church, his current church home which he joined in 2005. Jerry valued advanced education as a means to self-fulfillment and self-reliance. He transitioned from pharmacy and went on to earn a degree in Medicine from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1978. His entrepreneurial prowess and perseverance afforded him the opportunity to establish and maintain a vibrant Family Practice in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia until his retirement in 2007. His homey and down-to-earth approach endeared him to his many patients who referred to him as "Doc". They often remarked that they enjoyed talking with him and sharing their concerns because he was such a good listener. Jerry was known for his competitive spirit, and will also be remembered for his "mischievous" sense of humor, teary-eyed laughter and his penchant to engage in lengthy conversations about? sports, politics, celebrities and juicy gossip. Good food and decadent desserts ranked high on his list of favorite things. He loved traveling at home and abroad and marveled at the historic relevance and beauty of places visited. He was an avid sports fan and a vociferous and opinionated supporter of his Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers, and Phillies. Occasionally, Jerry would "go missing" for a few hours, which was not of concern because he could be found at Parks Casino at the Black Jack table. He won more than he lost and would brag that he had the good sense to take his winnings home. Jerry's memory will be cherished by his daughter, Rhonda, grandson, Michael Cameron, Lenora; five brothers – Raymond Jr., Dennis, Larry, Francis, and Ricardo; sisters-in-law Diane, Cecily, Rosalie (deceased), Arcelia, and Shebra; nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friends, and colleagues. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his supportive and vigilant neighbors and to his longtime friend, Mr. Joseph Nash, who helped him throughout his advancing years. Lovingly submitted, The Family