Obituary of Richard K. Kerr

CANISTEO: Richard K. "Dick" Kerr, 86, of Greenwood St. passed away peacefully Sunday morning (June 9, 2013) at the Vincent House in Wayland following a brief illness. Dick was born September 8, 1926 in Hornell, the only child of Robert and Roxie (Ingraham) Kerr. On October 4, 1947, in Arkport, he married Carolyn Teeft who survives and resides in Canisteo. He was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1944 and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1944-46 serving in the armed guard. Dick was a lifelong resident of the Canisteo Valley living 62 years in Canisteo and was a signalman for the Erie, Erie/Lackawanna Railroads and retired from Conrail after 36 years of railroad service. Very civic minded, his accomplishments included being a member of the Canisteo Village Board for 12 years and serving as Mayor for 6 years in the 1980's. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 55 years and was still a member of Troop 83 BSA in Canisteo, where he held the position of Commissioner for both Troop 83 and Cub Scout Pack 83. Dick was awarded the highest recognized award in Boy Scouting, the "Silver Beaver Award" for his years of dedication and service in Scouting and was also an honorary member of the Order of the Arrow. He was a member of the Canisteo Civic Club, the Canisteo American Legion, was on the Board of Trustees for Pro Action, and was one of the original members of the Hornell Area Transit (HAT) bus committee and had attended the First Presbyterian Church in Canisteo. His personal interests and enthusiasm involved frequenting numerous auctions throughout his life and refurbishing and refinishing antiques of all sorts. In addition to his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Kerr of Canisteo, Dick is survived by a son Thomas Kerr of Hornell, daughter, Robin Kerr-Wilson of Canisteo, grandchildren: Bradley (Rachel) Kerr and Hilary (Thomas) Wilson-Clyne and a great grandson Landon Clyne. He is also survived by daughter-in-law Janice Kerr and son-in-law Michael Wilson. The family will receive friends from 1-4 PM Saturday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo, where a memorial service with military honors will take place immediately following calling hrs. at 4:00 PM. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Richard "Dick" Kerr's name may be made to the Five Rivers Council of BSA, Campership Fund, 244 West Water St., Elmira, N.Y. 14901. Service: Saturday, June 15, 2013 4:00 PM H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. 29 East Main St. Canisteo, NY Visitation: Saturday, June 15, 2013 1-4 PM H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. 29 East Main St. Canisteo, NY