Obituary of Charles P. Kerns

Colonel Charles P. Kerns at the age of 100 years, passed away on March 1st, 2021. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Poly Tech, Farmingdale State College with an AS degree and the Army War College. He went on to a career as a design engineer at Sperry Gyroscope and later Grumman Aircraft working on support units for the E2C, Hawkeye, Intruder, Prowler, and other logistical support projects. He grew up in Jamaica, NY but lived most of his life in North Merrick where he was an active member of the North Merrick Fire Department for over 60 years serving as both Chief and Commissioner. A WWII veteran, he was stationed at the Port of LeHavre, France in cargo operations. After his deployment he remained in the US Army as a reservist serving for 36 years and attaining the rank of Colonel. In the last few years of his military career, he served on the West Point Selection Committee. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn Marquis, his parents Frederick and Wilhelmina and his siblings Richard (Eleanor), Frederick Jr., and Anna (Henry). Charles was a wonderful and loving father and grandfather leaving behind his 3 children Donald (Mary Ann), Kenneth and Helen Razenson (Charles) and 9 grandchildren, Jonathan (Sandra), Kelly (Richard), Christie (Matthew), Matthew, Cynthia (Jeremy), Kenneth, Jr. (Pamela), Roy (Aimee), William (Jacqueline) and Thomas (Carissa) and 10 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his loving companion of 15 years Alice Etringer. Charles always though of the needs of other before his own, lovingly caring for his wife during a debilitating illness lasting 24 years. He also cared for his mother in her old age as well as his neighbor Bill. He was truly a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many. Viewing will be on March 17, 2021 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9PM. A brief service will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday the 18th with burial at Calverton National Cemetery with Military Honors. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to FASNY Firemen's Home, 125 Henry Howard Avenue, Hudson NY 12534.