John Stephen Kerger, Jr., 79, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Born on May 24, 1944 to E. Melva Regan and John Stephen Kerger, Sr., he was affectionately known to his friends and family as “Capt. Jack”. A title he earned when he fulfilled his dream of becoming a licensed charter boat captain.
Capt. Jack was originally from Maryland, spending many years living and working on the Eastern Shore as a waterman. This allowed him to also enjoy his leisure activities of fishing and crabbing on his boats the M.R. Fish and the Carrie Ellen.
At the age of 22, he married his sweetheart and love of his life, Barbara “Bobbie” Kerger (Lane) and had two children, Stephen Russell Kerger and Melanie Lane Harrington.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army, Capt. Jack was a longtime member of the VFW, American Legion and AmVets in Florida. He was also an avid gardener and excellent chef in the kitchen.
Surviving him are Bobbie, his wife of almost 58 years, son, Stephen Russell Kerger, daughter, Melanie Lane Harrington, his grandchildren, Jonathan Digges Harrington (Liza), Courtney Lane Harrington, and Ashley Brooke Harrington and two nephews, Mark Thomas (Christine) and Chris Thomas (Kristen) and several great nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, father, John Stephen Kerger, Sr., mother, Evelyn Melva Regan, stepfather, Ronald K. Regan, sister, C. Ellen Thomas and brother, Raymond Paul Kerger and his beloved dog, Belle, whom he cherished dearly.
A memorial service is to be held at a later date with Capt. Jack to be laid to rest in Old Trinity Cemetery, Woolford, Maryland.
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