John R. Kerr

John R. Kerr, 72, died on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital with family by his side.

He was born on July 19, 1953 in Hackensack, NJ the eldest son to the late James R. and Evelyn M. (Merton) Kerr and has resided in Plainfield since 1980.

John's professional journey began at Daniel Webster College, leading him to his first role as a drafter with Electric Boat. He later joined Fenn Manufacturing, where over the course of 16 years, he built a stellar reputation for his versatility and commitment to excellence. His natural leadership eventually led him to roles as Product Manager and Manager of Sales Engineering. John concluded his formal career as Vice President of Machinery International Corporation in Branford, retiring in 2019. However, John was never one to stay idle; he spent his retirement doing what he loved, continuing to work as a dedicated engineering consultant until his passing.

John has been reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Catherine A. (Avitabile) Kerr, whom he married on July 2, 1977. A man who truly embraced life, John was a vibrant soul with a deep passion for music and the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, camping in the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, and treasured traveling with his family, especially the magical trips he planned to Disney World. An adventurous spirit, John was also a certified scuba diver and a skilled private pilot, earning his license during his college years. He was a talented guitarist who, after playing in multiple high school bands, continued to enjoy playing music with friends throughout his life. John had a kind heart and a generous spirit, giving most freely of his time. He was the trusted handyman for friends and family, always ready to help whether it meant fixing something around the house, tackling a renovation, lending a hand with a car repair or simply being there when someone needed him.

He will be deeply missed by his two daughters and their families: Melissa A. Robert and her partner David Sapp of Plainfield, and Kristin M. Scaplen and her husband Barry H. Scaplen Jr., also of Plainfield. He was a proud grandfather to James C. Robert, Ashley E. Robert, Kaleb M. Scaplen, and Kaia C. Scaplen.

John is also survived by his three brothers Scott J. Kerr of Wantage NJ, David F. Kerr of Cotuit MA, Christopher A Kerr of Branchville NJ, and four sisters Mary D. Margarum of Port St. Lucie, Sally E. Wall of Vernon NJ, Jaime E. Kerr of Vernon NJ, and Nina A. Kerr of Sparta NJ, countless nieces and nephews, his lifelong friends and their children, all of whom he loved as family and who will forever hold fond memories of him in their hearts.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home, 595 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St John Church, 10 Railroad Ave, Plainfield, CT on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:00 am. Burial is private at the convenience of the family. For memorial guestbook, visit www.DoughertyBrothers.com.