August 04 1931 September 06 2020
Paul Robert Kern August 04, 1931 – September 06, 2020 Share this obituary Upload Photo| View/Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card On Sunday, September 6, 2020, retired Permanent Deacon Paul Robert Kern, age 89, died at Waverly Heights in Gladwyne of natural causes. He was the son of the late Elroy Jules and Helen Regina Kern (née Kelly). He was the devoted husband of Barbara Jane Kern (née Cherksey), his wife of 68 years and friend since age 12. He was the loving father of Paul R. Kern, Jr. (wife Sarah née Bickel), Deborah A. Fields (husband Curtis), Donna L. Mann, Jeffrey T. Kern and Kelly A. Henry (husband David), the warm and generous grandfather of nine cherished grandchildren (Brian J. Kern, Amanda B. Kern, Scott P. Fields, Ryan K. Fields, Jesse W. Fields, Jennifer B. Mann, David A. Mann, John K. Henry, Caroline K. Henry) and had the good fortune to welcome four great-grandchildren (Harris Kern, James Kern, Aiden Fields, Quinn Fields). He is predeceased by his brothers Thomas Kern, James Kern, and sister Jean Howell. Paul attended Lower Merion High School and went to the University of Kentucky on a basketball scholarship. He served two years active duty in the Navy, as dental assistant with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. After the service he attended business classes at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in the evenings. Over 23 years, he rose through the ranks at Amchem Products, Inc. (formerly American Chemical Paint Company) in Ambler before becoming President of the North American headquarters for Compagnie Française de Produits Industriels (CFPI). He also served on the Board of Directors for Graduate Hospital. Paul was a devoted Roman Catholic. After retiring from business, Paul was ordained as a Deacon on May 23, 1993 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul by the Most Reverend Louis Anthony DeSimone, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, a friend of his and Barbara’s. He was immediately assigned to the parish of St. John Vianney in Gladwyne where he and Barbara were active parishioners for more than 55 years. He was a benefactor of several charities including Catholic Charities and Father Chuck’s Challenge in Haiti to help fund the building of family homes and a community center. Paul was a family man first and foremost, a caring husband and beloved father. His core values were God, family, friends, and fun – always to be prioritized in that order. He played squash or tennis almost daily as a member of Merion Cricket Club in Haverford and golf later in life at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore. He enjoyed the Philadelphia Orchestra, and was always the first to dance when any music started. He was a good cook but remembered best for his Dagwood-like sandwiches served always with a cold beer and Utz potato chips. Due to the pandemic, the family will hold a closed service on Friday, September 11, 2020 celebrated privately by Father Donovan, the pastor of St. John Vianney. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to donate to the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia with the request for monies to be directed to the Permanent Diaconate Vocations and Ministry Program Fund. (100 N. 20th Street, Suite 301, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or online at www.catholicfoundationphila.net/community/funds/ Print Obituary
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Robert Kern August 04 1931 September 06 2020.
McConaghy William C Ltd Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Ardmore, state: Pennsylvania