Claude B. Kershner Jr.

Claude B. Jr., on Jan. 6, 2015 of the Ocean Reef Club - Key Largo FL , Avalon, NJ and Audubon; formerly of Bala Cynwyd.

Claude B. Kershner, Jr, 86, a man of Faith, Devotion to Family and Service to Community.

Claude B. Kershner, Jr., of Ocean Reef, Key Largo, Avalon, NJ and Audubon, PA, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away at home in Audubon, PA on Tuesday morning, January the 6th.

In 1952, Claude went on a blind date with Mary Ellen McCormick. Ten years later they had dated, married and had their eighth child.

After a successful career in sales, Claude and Mary Ellen bought a small retail stationery store with three employees in 1960. With their children, they built CB Kershner, Inc. into one of the largest office products firms in the northeast, ultimately employing 170 people with 15 trucks on the road every day. The hallmark of this family firm was extreme dedication to client satisfaction and honor in all dealings with vendors, customers and employees alike. He very quietly helped so many employees over time with loans to purchase homes and resolve health issues.

At an early age, Claude was taught that giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate was a critical measure of a good man. Even while building his business and raising a large family, he participated in civic and community roles that included serving in the Army Reserve as a Medical Corpsman, serving in the Florida Keys Coast Guard Auxiliary, President of the Main Line Junior Chamber of Commerce, Board member of Roxborough Memorial Hospital and Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Program, Knights of Columbus, as well as, Eucharistic Minister at Saint Matthias in Bala Cynwyd. He was elected Commissioner from Bala Cynwyd, Police Commissioner, and then Treasurer for Lower Merion Township. He was involved in numerous other advisory boards, professional organizations and civic groups.

His character was above reproach; he inspired those around him with his faith, integrity, positive attitude and enthusiasm for anything he chose to do. His work ethic and attributes will be passed on for generations to come.

Claude was a patriot, a Philadelphia Eagles fan and a Mummers buff who loved music and could always be heard singing. He had a great sense of humor and fun, often leading his children, playing imaginary instruments, around the house to Broadway show tune music. He loved spending time in Avalon and at The Ocean Reef Club and could often be seen power walking with his wife. His boats were a source of fun for him and anyone who visited the family homes.

He was a doting husband whose devotion and love for his wife Mary Ellen was absolutely transparent to anyone who met them. He was a sincere and selfless father and friend, generous with his attention, advice and time. He was just and he was fair with a kind word for everyone he met.

Claude was an avid golfer and a former member of Llanerch County Club and Bala Golf Club and a present member of The Ocean Reef Club. In his early eighties, he had two holes in one at difficult Ocean Reef courses. His sons and daughter all share that passion as well as many of his grandchildren.

He was the oldest of four children born to Claude B and Josephine (nee Bryson) Kershner of Phoenixville. He was predeceased in death by his brothers Robert J and James as well as his sister JoRose Clifton.

Brother of the late Robert & James Kershner and JoRose Clifton.

Survived by his beloved wife of 62 yrs. Mary Ellen B. (nee McCormick), his children Joanne M. Kershner Spellane (Bill), Mary Ellen Smith (Steve), Claude B. III (Cathy), Connie E. Migeot (Chic), Bryson C., Loretta W. Zimmerman (Eric), Bruer C. (Meg) and Margaret M. O'Mara, as well as his 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Relatives & friends are invited to Claude's Funeral Mass on Friday Jan. 9th at 4 PM at St. Matthias Church 128 Bryn Mawr Ave. Bala Cynwyd 19004 and/or to His Celebration of Life from 6-9 PM at Waynesborough Country Club 440 Darby Paoli Rd. (Rte. 252) Paoli 19301.

Contributions may be made in Claude's memory to the Paoli Hosp. Foundation C/O Bryson Kershner P.O. Box 414 Valley Forge PA 19481.

Visitation Information

Date: Friday, January 9, 2015

Time: 06:00 pm

End Time: 09:00 pm

Celebration of Life

Waynesborough Country Club

440 Darby Paoli Rd. (Rt. 252)

Paoli, PA 19301

 

Service Information

Date: Friday, January 9, 2015

Time: 04:00 pm

St. Matthias Church

128 Bryn Mawr Ave.

Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004