He was born and raised in Jersey City where he remained until moving to Roseland in 2018. He attended Saint Michael's Grammar School, where served mass at his church and at Saint Francis Hospital Chapel. Charlie then attended Saint Mikes' High where he was an All City basketball player. After graduation, he attended John Marshall College and then served his country in the Army during the Korean War.
Charlie was the owner of Kerr Electric Incorporated in Jersey City for many, many years retiring 25 years ago. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) earning his 65 year pin and as a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association.
He was past President of St Michael's Holy Name Society and was active in the Saint Lucy's Catholic War Veterans Post. He also was an officer of the Buddy Boyle Association, St. Thomas More Council of the Knights of Columbus, the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, and was the last President of the original Monkey Club, Jersey City's oldest social club.
He organized and was first president of The New Tammannee Club and was President and Treasurer of the Wanderers Bowling League. More service came as coach of Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball and as a sponsor of the Jersey City Police Emergency and Narcotics Squad athletic teams.
For diversion, Charlie attended Brother Joe Griffin's Irish Dance School at Saint Peter's Prep and celebrated his Irish heritage in many gala ways. His community service earned him Irishman of the Year by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in 1995.
He was the beloved husband of the late Joan (nee Curran) Kerr, loving father of Charles Kerr, Jr. and his wife Valarie, John Kerr and his wife Susan, and Karen Kerr-Schade, cherished grandfather of Kaitlyn Kerr, Kerri Kerr, Kristan Kerr, Brian Schade, and Evan Schade, and dear brother of the late Helen Duddy and Frank Kerr.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions and capacity limitations, visitors are asked to pay their respects and be mindful of others wishing to also visit. Visitors are also required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
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