Herkey Houses is a family-owned small business founded by two brothers, Peter Fitzgerald and Robert Ramos, whose shared mission was born from personal experience, deep loss, and a commitment to honoring their cousin, Jimmy Herkey, whose life was tragically cut short by addiction.

Pete is a well-known and trusted figure in the York and Lancaster recovery communities. He has supported countless individuals at every stage of their journey—educating them about treatment options, connecting them with resources, and helping them navigate admissions to recovery houses. His dedication to service is at the heart of Herkey Houses.

Rob is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served from 2013 to 2018. As Pete’s youngest brother, he has also faced the impact of addiction firsthand, losing friends, fellow Marines, and family members. Rob understands the mental health challenges many veterans face as they transition back into civilian life, and he brings empathy, structure, and a strong sense of purpose to the organization.

Together, Pete and Rob share a vision: to help others build healthier, more fulfilling lives—free from the substances that destroy our bodies, minds, and families. Herkey Houses was created to turn that vision into reality.

The name Herkey Houses honors their beloved cousin, Jimmy Herkey, who grew up alongside Pete in Brooklyn, New York. Jimmy was known for his humor, warmth, and larger-than-life personality. In 2017, Pete and Jimmy spent time traveling the country together, creating memories neither could have known would be their last. Shortly after they parted ways, Jimmy went to sleep and never woke up. His passing—caused by excessive alcohol use combined with prescription medications—left a devastating impact on everyone who loved him.

Herkey Houses exists to prevent other families from experiencing the same loss. It is a way to immortalize Jimmy’s memory, preserve his legacy, and turn pain into purpose by helping others find safety, support, and a new path forward.

Below is a mural created in Jimmy’s honor by his home community in Brooklyn, NY.