KERR, Thomas P. “Phil” of Marco Island, FL and Dedham, MA passed away on October 27, 2024. Beloved husband for 54 years to the late Catherine S. Kerr “Kay”. Devoted father of Thomas P. Kerr Jr. and his wife Karen of Marshfield, Jean K. Daley and her husband William of Dedham, Timothy J. Kerr and his wife Karen of Franklin, Jacqueline M. Kerr and her partner Chris Grey of Dedham, Janice K. Kadlick and husband Edward of Dedham, Terrence J. Kerr of Franklin, and Todd J. Kerr of Boston. The best grandfather “Buppa” of Katelyn, Meghan Taylor, Jillian, Lauren, Alex, Kendra, Toma, Jackson, Michael, Brendan, Kendall, Jake & Ryleigh. Great grandfather of Owen, Brenna, Maddison, Mack, Hannah, Evan, Pete & Nora. Dear friend and mentor to Joanne & Ash Turrell of Marco Island FL. Also survived by his sister Mary Hanley of Franklin, the late Katherine McGee & John F. Kerr, CFX.
Phil was born November 17,1936 in Jamaica Plain, MA. His parents were Katherine (Tansey) and Thomas J. Kerr. Phil attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary & High School. After graduating in 1954 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was a proud Korean War Veteran.
Union Labor was Phil’s professional calling. He joined Pipefitters L.U. 537 apprenticeship program in 1957. Years later was an elected official holding positions as Business Agent, Business Manager and Financial Secretary Treasurer for Local 537. Later in his career he was elected as an International Representative of the United Association for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Washington DC until he retired. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Phil was always devoted to his family. He was always present on the sideline proudly cheering for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Phil and Kay raised their family in Dedham. He and Kay shared their passions of spending time with family. They spent their summers at their home on Webster Lake where four generations enjoyed swimming, boating, water skiing, tubing as well as skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. They cherished the family vacations to Disney, Thanksgivings on Marco Island and especially trips to the Outer Banks.
Funeral from George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High Street, Dedham, MA Monday, November 4, 2024 at 9:30 AM followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 AM in St. Mary’s Church Dedham. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 2-6 PM. Interment will be at Brookdale Cemetery Dedham, MA. In lieu of flowers donations made in Phil’s memory to the The International Retinal Research Foundation, Inc., 1720 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35233-1816, Attn: Sandra Blackwood, MPA.