Robert Kern

Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA to Anna and Christian Kern. He lived his entire childhood in the Kern Family’s Philly row home along with his older sisters, Betty and Dottie, and his Aunt Elsie Fritsche who all doted on him. Bob excelled in school attending Catholic schools his entire youth educational period. Bob was an altar boy at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. After high school, he attended LaSalle College in Philadelphia and majored in chemistry. He remained enthusiastic, proud and faithful to his alma mater, frequently sporting Navy Blue and Gold LaSalle attire. In the start of his career, Bob was employed by duPont Chemical Company. He married Margaret Mary Feeley (Marge), and they started a family. Bob worked full-time during the day and attended college classes evenings to complete his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1962.

During this same time, three of the six Kern children were born. Between 1958 and 1969 all six Kern children were born and the family lived in the Philadelphia area until 1969, when Bob took the adventurous leap and career change to move his large, young family to Atlanta, GA.

The move from Philadelphia to Atlanta brought the family to Bob’s current family home and to his church home, Our Lady of the Assumption. He lived in the same community, in the same home and worshiped in the same church for 55 years.

Bob was an involved father, as best a parent could be who also traveled for his job, helping to coach the Kern kids’ teams in football, baseball and ice hockey. As a Dad, he seemed to have boundless enthusiasm and energy. Every Sunday, and added holy days of obligation to attend mass, Dad and Mom, herded their brood to church, yelling “in the car in 5 minutes!”

Sadly, Bob and Marge divorced. As all families experience difficult and sad times, with faith they pull together, adapt and accept life’s challenges. Bob never backed from challenge, both positive and negative. And, he always tried to look for the positive in everything.

At this turning point in Bob’s long life, he met Judy Lyons, a widow, at Our Lady of the Assumption. They dated and decided they were brave and with a shared faith, married and combined their families, Dad his six kids, and Judy’s three children.

Bob as Dad did not back down from the responsibilities to his family. Although there were adjustments, he supported and loved ALL his family. He and Judy made it clear that we were one family, united in love.

Bob and Judy enjoyed years of adventures together and particularly loved taking vacation cruises all over the world. They enjoyed each other’s company and had mutual interests within their home, at their beloved church and in their community of Atlanta.

Bob had lifelong friends from his church, some who have passed and paved the way for Bob to his eternal home. In retirement, Bob widened his circle of friends. He was an active member of the Benson Senior Center. In addition, Bob continued his competitive spirit and enjoyed his bocci ball friends. Weekly lunches with “the Boys” included lots of laughs and discussions to try to solve world problems.

Bob passed away in his home under hospice care. He was lovingly surrounded by his Judy and his family. In his last three weeks of life, he always had a family member watching over him 24-7. He still tried to engage with us, still being positive, humble and even threw in a few “dad” jokes. Our family is grateful to Our Lady of the Assumption priests and members for their spiritual support and prayers.

Bob’s family includes his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Judy Kern. His nine children, Karen Kern Jones, Bob Kern Jr. (Pat), Kevin Kern (deceased) (wife Charlotte), Christian Kern, Michael Kern, Katy Kern Kelly (David), Steve Lyons (Gabby), Jeff Lyons (Tonya) and Amy Lyons. Grandchildren are Kellen Bryant (Megan), Thomas Bryant (deceased), Sara Bryant, Kristen and Kathleen Kelly, Emily Kern, Greyson Kern, Cassandra and Matthew Lyons. Bob was blessed with great grandchildren: Elise, Ian and Wesley Bryant. Also, close to Bob’s heart are his nieces, Pat Donato (Bob), Dottie Schoch (Jack) and nephew, John Hollender (Winnie).

Celebration of Life Catholic Mass for Robert (Bob) Kern will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 1:00pm in the afternoon at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1350 Hearst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319. Bob’s ashes will be placed in the Memory Wall at the same church at once after the Mass. Bob’s favorite color was red, so if you are inclined, sport a spot of red in his honor.

Remembrance donations, if desired, can be sent in Bob’s name to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, or to a charity near and dear to your heart.

We will miss our Bob, Dad, Pops, Pop-Pop for a long time, but we will hold our memories close to our hearts and give thanks and prayers for the blessing of having him in our lives. Bob Kern was an amazing man. We thank all his family and many friends for being a part of his life.