Jerome Louis Massey

Lt. Colonel USAR (Ret.) Jerome Louis Massey, of Fairfax Virginia, died on Tuesday October 17 at Fair Oaks Hospital in Oakton Virginia. He was 95. He was born on July 27 1922 in Norfolk Virginia. He fought in World War II as an engineer and firefighter.  In 1945 he married Bernice Siegel, and together they had four children.

He was a man of great accomplishment, some of his notable accomplishments while in the USAR include:

He completed Command and General Staff College and many other Department of Defense schools.

He invented a way to allow doctors and nurses into operating theatres while keeping others out by putting a special plate in their shoes.  This technology was used in various military hospitals.

He participated in the design and testing of the military combat boots and the design of shoes worn on aircraft carriers.  He also participated in designing shoes worn by women of the armed forces.

He was awarded the Meritorious service metal as a Major for breaking up a black market theft ring at a military reservation.  His life was at risk in this challenging affair.

He was an entrepreneur in the retail shoe industry.  Massey’s Johnston &Murphy Shop became a world-renowned men’s’ retail shoe store.

He and his wife were charter members of Congregation Olam Tikvah.

Surviving children are Ruth Leichter (Harry Leichter) of Grand Forks North Dakota, Hedy Osmunson (Ozzy Osmuson) of Virginia Beach Virginia, Harriet Van De Riet (Jack Van De Reit) of Herndon Virginia and Mark Massey (Kathy Kleiman) of Falls Church Virginia, as well as eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren

Memorial donations may be made to Congregation Olam Tikvah in Fairfax Virginia.