KERRY DUGAN

DUGAN, Kerry Passed peacefully on Tuesday morning, pain-free and surrounded by family. An arduous struggle with Lewy Body Dementia slowly stole one of the most beautifully gifted minds one might have the pleasure to encounter. As a veteran, father, grandfather, husband, brother, and professor, he touched thousands of lives with his unique flavor of philosophy, religion, ethics, the paranormal, and terrible jokes. Kerry was an Air Force veteran, serving at Sculthorpe Air Force Base in England before returning to the U.S. in 1964 to attend Northeastern University.  While at Northeastern he pursued his passion in theatre, serving as president for the Silver Masque for several years, working as a crew member, student director, and excelling as a stage manager. Kerry's first co-op job as a computer programmer at John Hancock Life Insurance Company led him down a career path in IT, where he directed computer centers at such companies as the United Way, Camp Dresser & McKee, and Tufts University. Ultimately however, his love for philosophy and teaching beckoned too strongly to ignore. Building on his undergraduate study of philosophy, Kerry pursued advanced degrees in education and philosophy during which time he began teaching under the tutelage of a master in the Socratic method of teaching philosophy.  His 25-year career as a charismatic faculty member in the philosophy department at Northeastern University touched the lives of countless students, so many of whom felt their lives had been forever changed by him.  He lives on in the lives of others. Graveside service at Hand in Hand Cemetery, Centre St., West Roxbury, on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 12 noon. Shiva will be held at his late residence, Monday 5 - 8 pm, Tuesday 2-4 & 6:30 - 8 pm, and Wednesday 6- 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kerry's memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation or the Tibetan Association of Boston.