The 2023
David Cone
Humanitarian Award

Jerry Kallman

Photo of Jerry Kallman, 2023 David Cone Humanitarian Award recipient, and his wife

Jerry Kallman is a Jersey guy, born and bred. A native of Jersey City, NJ, Jerry attended Our Ladies of Victories Grammar School on Ege Avenue. As a first grader, he remembers Sister Imelda turning on the TV in class on a crisp late November Day in 1963. He recalls listening to Walter Cronkite reporting in a somber voice that President Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas, TX. He and the class cried. A very sobering experience for a young boy, one of which also left a lasting impression on America for generations to come.

After grammar school, Jerry went on to attend St. Peter’s Prep, a Jesuit high school. The Jesuits were good educators, and as he recalls, “tough guys.” No one dared to cross them.

Jerry’s first job was working with his cousins Peter and John at the original Mike’s Sub Shop in 1971 in Point Pleasant, NJ. The hourly wage was $1.75 an hour. Weekly take home pay was $70.00. The teenagers thought they were rich! In many aspects, they were. Jerry learned the value of hard work and developed a life-long work ethic.

Upon high school graduation, Jerry headed to Providence College in Rhode Island earning a BA degree in Theology. There he met his future wife, the lovely Corinne Tosto. They were married in Corinne’s hometown of Norwood, MA, settling in Oklahoma to raise three children: Theresa, Peter and Kevin. Their time in Oklahoma was, according to Jerry, “the best years of their lives.” Later, upon moving back to Franklin Lakes, NJ, Jerry began working with his father’s company representing and organizing international trade fairs. Here he reconnected with his cousin Peter and Jersey Mike’s Subs. Together they expanded the brand across the US, then locally in the New York/New Jersey area. There are now 2,500+ stores nationally, and Jersey Mike’s is still growing.

About 10 years ago, Jerry was introduced to Ed and Allison Lucas. He became a supporter of The Ed Lucas Foundation and The David Cone Celebrity Golf Classic. Jersey Mike’s has a long history philanthropy and community service. After all, “It’s a Jersey Thing.”