Edward B. Kerin ’57

kerinEdward Berchman Kerin died peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 2, 2016 at the age of 77. Edward is survived by his wife, Theresa Downes Kerin, their children, Katherine Kerin, Elizabeth & Kirk Carver, Timothy Whitesell, Patrick & Renee Whitesell, and grandchildren, Grace Nechanicky, Aurora Whitesell, Nell Stevens, Sophia Whitesell, & Rowan Whitesell. The son of Edward John & Josephine Karlsen Kerin, Edward was born on October 6, 1938 in Hartford, CT. He is survived by siblings, William & Louise Kerin, Lynn & Charles Cormier, Leah & John Giblo, and Robert & Randi Kerin, as well as many adored nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Miriam & William Keith. Key experiences shaped Edward’s path.

Struggling to read, his father taught him to love words and literature. He won a scholarship to Williston Academy, which opened his mind further still. He attended Colgate and then joined the U.S. Army, serving for six years and reaching the rank of Lieutenant, reinforcing his belief in loyalty, honor, hard work. He later received his Executive MBA from Columbia University. Having two daughters, and later, two stepsons and many grandchildren, was a great source of joy for Edward, which he shared with Theresa, his wife of 20 years and dearest friend. A 50-year resident of Poughkeepsie, NY, Edward worked for and eventually co-owned Chemprene, in Beacon, NY. He served on many boards, including Vulcan International Corp., Dutchess Golf Club (President), Vassar Warner Home, Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce (Chair), & Workforce Development Institute (Chair). With the voice of a lion and the soul of a poet, Edward championed anyone who worked hard, no matter what they achieved. He also championed a life well lived. To help those who deserve a chance at that life, his family asks that contributions in Edward’s memory be given to the Williston Northampton School or the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. There are no services.

8 thoughts on “Edward B. Kerin ’57”

  1. Am saddened to learn of my classmate Ed Kerin’s passing. I have fond, if distant, memories of Ed as a handsome, kind, and somewhat burly kid, respected by all of our classmates. We played together on one of the pre-varsity football teams before he left me behind for higher glory. RIP, Ed, in new and everlasting glory.

  2. Sad to hear. I remember him well from the 4th floor of Ford Hall. A great guy, fun loving but dedicated to doing the right thing. I would have thought he would have a successful life. And it seems like he did.

  3. Yes, of course I remember Ed. He was a good lad in my reading. I did not know him well, but in my experience he exemplified was a straight- forward and honest approach to life as we know it. I send condolences to Ed’s family who have sustained a stinging loss.

    Paul Corby Finney.

  4. Ed and I were good friends at Williston and later at Colgate. We were among that group of Williston seniors who hung out together on the fourth floor of Ford Hall. Ed was our class president, captain of the football team, and a fun guy to be around. We all looked up to him.
    What I remember most vividly about that year was a crazy road trip Ed, Nat Bickford, Peter Revson and I took during Spring break. We drove to the 12 hour sports car race at Sebring and then on to Fort Lauderdale. For reasons impossible to explain, we drove straight through in two MGs and a Buick station wagon. Five of us took turns driving the three cars and napping in the back of the station wagon. I still have a photo of Ed in the station wagon and me posing with an attractive young woman in front of an MG.

    In September of ’57 that attractive young woman went to Cornell as Ed and I checked into Colgate — along with six of our Williston classmates. Sue and I dated throughout college, and we were both very close to Ed who was was an integral part of our social life in those years. She and I married soon after graduation, and Ed was an usher in our wedding. He was always a cheerful and caring person, respected by everyone who knew him. Sue and and I and will be among the many who loved him and will miss him. Our condolences to his family.

    1. Joe, thank you so much for sharing your memories of my dad. His time at Williston and the friends he had there clearly shaped who he was in his life. It is wonderful to see my loving dad through the eyes of someone who knew him long before my sister and I did!

    2. Thanks to all of you for your remembrances of my smart, charming, life-loving husband and best friend. I and his family miss him unimaginably. He felt very strongly about the opportunities attending Williston afforded him. He adored his grandchildren and kept track of nieces and nephews, always encouraging them to be the best they can be.
      Theresa Kerin

    3. Thank you all for your wonderful stories and kind remarks. Joe, I believe I have and often use the wedding gift you and Sue gave my parents. Would it be too much to ask for another gift, a copy of the photograph of Dad on your outrageous road trip? I remember him talking about it, and what fun he had with your gang of friends over the years.

  5. I knew and respected Ed as a friend and classmate. He was always straight forward in everything he did, whether it was sports, academic work, or friendships. I am sure his family saw many other qualities as a father and grandfather.

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