Peter Francis Kerwin Jr.

1934 - 2025

Peter Francis Kerwin

December 2, 1934 - May 16, 2025

Palmetto Bay, Florida - Peter Francis Kerwin, passed away peacefully at home on May 16, 2025.

Pete was born December 2, 1934, in Fair Lawn, NJ, the son of Peter F. Kerwin, Sr., and Mae Gillespie. He graduated from Fair Lawn High School and served in the United States Navy Reserves. He went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona. During this time, he was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Upon graduating, Pete worked in California for the highway department. He then moved to South Florida to pursue a career as a civil engineer with Miami-Dade County and to be closer to his parents. He was dedicated to improving the community, by first working with the Public Works and Highway Department and later with the Parks Department. Pete's remarkable contributions to Miami-Dade County include his proudest professional achievement, the design and construction of Zoo Miami. He also played a key role in developing parks, marinas, and historical buildings; notable projects include the former Lipton Tennis Center, Tropical Park, Matheson Hammock and Black Point Marinas, the Deering Estate, Larry & Penny Thompson Park, redevelopment of Crandon Park, Palmetto Golf Course, and Chapman Field Park.

Pete retired from Miami-Dade County in 1995. An active retiree, he enjoyed home improvements and helping his neighbors, boating and snorkeling in Biscayne Bay, golfing, and playing softball. He was also a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for more than 50 years.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia "Pat" Kerwin Pearson.

He is survived by his wife, Marcia Knowles-Kerwin of Miami; daughter Tara Kerwin Halstead (Scott); son Peter F. Kerwin, Jr. (JoAnn); son Scott Knowles; daughter Becca Knowles Caldwell (James); grandson Kyle Halstead; granddaughter Kristen Halstead O'Brien (Tyler); grandsons Connor Kerwin and Ethan Kerwin; grandson Chris Haycook; grandson Jonathan Haycook; grandson Thomas Caldwell; granddaughter Kaitlin Caldwell; great-grandson Wyatt O'Brien; nephew Jimmy Murphy; and niece Cindy Pearson Walsh.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff at Jackson South Hospital in Miami, and to Vitas Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pete's memory to his favorite charities.

Maryknoll Society Mission: maryknollsociety.org.

Doberman Rescue League: doberescue.net.

A funeral Mass will be held in Pete's memory at St. Louis Catholic Church in Miami, Monday June 16, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. A wake will be held Sunday June 15, 2025, at the hall at Evelyn Greer Park in Pinecrest from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.