Robert John "Bob" Kern

Robert J. "Bob" Kern, age 80, of Willseyville, NY, took his final journey with the Lord, Saturday, November 8, 2025, after a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. Robert was born On March 12, 1945, in Peekskill, NY, to Arthur and Julia (DeMartini) Kern. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Arthur H Kern Jr.; sister, Julia M Harris; nephew, Taylor Kern. Bob moved to Candor NY in 1957 and graduated from Candor High School in 1964. After graduation he went on to graduate from Delhi with a degree in Hotel Management and Food Service. His degree served him well when in 1966 he was drafted and served his first year as a cook at West Point, NY. He then served the remainder of his tour in Pleiku, Vietnam as a cook. Robert served his country with pride and dignity even as his country did not welcome him home, as was the reality of the time. He had a desire to return to Vietnam in peacetime just to reflect and heal. After the service he worked for the City of Ithaca and eventually had a long career as the Head Cook at The MacCormick Secure Center in Brooktondale, NY, retiring as a YDA. He enjoyed carpentry and was always working on a new project. His pet project was his restored 1979 Ford LTD2, which he enjoyed taking to car shows. He was currently working on his 1977 Ford Pinto. He enjoyed singing and would break into song serenading his wife of 55 years, Evonne. Along with his wife, he is survived by his three children, Robert Eric (Adonis) Kern, of Scotland, Jeremy (Renee) Kern, of Candor, NY, Paul S. Kern (roommate, Sonya), of Candor, NY, Michelle (William) Ulrich, of Florida; his sister, Rose (Randy) Blinn, of Candor, NY; brother, Paul J. Kern, of Colorado; sister-in-law, Barbara Kern, of Willseyville, NY; brother-in-law, James Harris, of Candor, NY. Bob enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren, Katelyn Bordenet, Raina Kern, Teresa Kern, Cecilia Kern; great-granddaughter, Elliana Faucett; several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the Oncology Dept. at the Guthrie Clinic, Sayre, PA and his Hospice Team from Guthrie Lourdes. Farewell Robert J. Kern, until we meet again. The family will receive friends Friday, November 14, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at 12:00 Noon at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, Candor, NY. Burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery.