Robert Brooks Kerris

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robert Brooks Kerris on Friday, January 9, 2026. Bob had recent surgery and was recovering in The Oaks at Denville where he passed away peacefully.

Bob was born in Newark, New Jersey on September 13, 1940, and was raised in East Orange. He is predeceased by his parents, George and Rose Brooks (nee Simons). Bob is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Carol Ann (Potente); his daughters, Michelle Stefan and husband

Christopher of Point Pleasant Beach, and Mary Catherine Carratura of Rockaway; and his cherished grandchildren, Benjamin, Alyson and Katie.

Bob graduated from East Orange High School in 1958, where he met his future wife, Carol, and they married on June 13, 1982. Bob and Carol lived in Kinnelon for 30 years, where they hosted wonderful gatherings for family and friends s at their lakeside home. They moved to Mountain

Lakes in 2013.

Bob was the owner of several successful building contracting companies, where he managed the construction of significant properties throughout New Jersey. His life-long work lives on in buildings and homes that will remain a legacy to his creativity and talents.

A devoted member of Our Lady of the Magnificat Roman Catholic Church in Kinnelon, Bob was a member of The Knights of Columbus, and gave generously of his talent for the many projects to renovate and maintain the church property and cemetery, and was very instrumental in the organization and success of the Annual Msgr. John J. Ryan Golf Outing to benefit the OLM Scholarship program. Bob particularly loved his role on Easter Sundays, when he participated in the ceremonial fire that lit and Blessed the Paschal Candle at the Easter Vigil.

He loved keeping up with their lakefront property in Kinnelon, and could always be found fishing, creating beautiful walking paths for both his family and his beloved Akitas, and relaxing on the garden patio with a steak and a scotch. His favorite hobby, however, was relaxing over

long lunches with Carol and friends at one of his many favorite restaurants. Bob and Carol were frequent visitors to Nantucket and Italy for vacations, creating lasting memories. Bob will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and devotion to those he loved.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Magnificat, 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon, on Thursday, January 15 at 10:00 AM, with entombment to follow at their cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed from Our Lady of the Magnificat Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of the Magnificat Church in Robert's memory would be appreciated.