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Vasil Dr. Obituary
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81, of Boca Raton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at his home. He was born on December 29, 1930 in Pontiac, Michigan. He was the son of Traica and Michael Kerensky. Prior to moving to Florida, Kerensky was the principal at Haslett High School in Michigan. In 1965, he moved to Florida and held the Chair of the Charles Stewart Mott Eminent Scholar of Community Education and was a Professor Emeritus in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) for 35 years. Kerensky was the author of four books on Community Education, such as: "A New Foundation" and "The Sovereign". Prior to retirement, he traveled around the world promoting and speaking on behalf of Community Education. He was very active in the community and served on the board of The Greater Boca Raton Beach Tax District for 10 years. Survivors include his 4 children; Michael Kerensky, Dr. Richard Kerensky and wife Rachel, John Kerensky, Victoria Kerensky Colangelo and husband Nick. He is also survived by his sister, Melka Hulen and her husband Jim, his Niece, Holly Sutton and grand nephew, Dr. James Sutton, in addition to his ten grandchildren: Jordan, Nick, Carson, Alexandra, Corey, Kayla, Luke, Katy, Liliana and Briella. Friends may join the family at the service which will be held at The Gardens Memorial Park in Boca Raton on Saturday, December 1st at 10am. The address is: 4103 North Military Trail, Boca Raton Glick Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Vasil Dr.
Sponsored by The Kerensky's.
Diane Besudet
November 20, 2019
I miss you every day. God has a real angel with him. Precious kind loving man gone too soon. He made the world a better place.
Steven Cafarelli
November 19, 2019
Bill and I shared a lot of wonderful and spirited conversations ranging on many topics. He was like a father to me and our chance meeting grew to a lifetime friendship more than friends a bond where we cared for each others well being as well as family. I miss Bill and his love for his adopted town of Boca Raton.
Steve Cafarelli
Rick Kerensky
December 9, 2012
Rick Kerensky
December 9, 2012
Bill with his Bentley
December 9, 2012
Dr Jack and Barbara Wells
December 8, 2012
Bill you worked hard for the things you believed in and contributed to your family, friends & community bless you, your work is done and your legacy lives on.
The Wells family
Tony Townsend
December 2, 2012
I remember Bill for all the right reasons. His fun, his enjoyment of life, his valuing other people and his unfailing courtesy. We had many good times together over more than 30 years of community education interactions. He was a champion for the cause and made a huge impact on those he met. I will always remember him asking me to bring him sheep skins from Australia and I am glad that I was able to. Fondly remembered. Tony Townsend
December 2, 2012
My sympathy is with you Victoria and your family. Your dad was a wonderful person and instructor.
A former student
Dr.Elizabeth Alderman
Riviera Bch., Florida
Roger Cuevas
November 30, 2012
There is very little anyone can do or say at a time like this,but there is something that must be said about Dr. Kerensky. He impacted and influenced many during his life time. His life represented the very highest in wisdom, and love for community. As my professor at FAU he inspired me to do my very best. I thank him for shaping my career and helping me to achieve my greatest potential. He will be greatly remembered and missed.
Valerie Bryan
November 29, 2012
As the current Eminent Scholar in Community Education, Bill and I shared a lot of conversations about the history of the field and all its great founders. Bill was a walking historian and a legendary advocate for community education. He inspired more people that can be counted nationwide and will be missed. The void that has been created with his lost and that of Dr. Larry Decker in this year is tremendous.
Bill and I were office mates--across the hall from one another. I was his tech support when he could not operate his computer or printer (which I think he broke on purpose so he could have someone to talk to instead of a machine). I think he just wanted an excuse to not mess with the technology.
I loved to see his eyes light up when he retold his stories about Mott and Melby and all the other greats. I saw that same intensity when he talked to his doctoral students that understood the significance of paying homage to the past in their work.
I will miss him. I have his "Eminent Scholar rocking chair". He did not get to see that I was having it restored for him to sit and visit. He did get to see the "preface" to the "technology book related to community education" that he is going to be in January 2013--that is a bit ironic that the non-techie is leaving his legacy for others to follow. Miss you, Bill. Val
Dr. Doris-Parsons Nesbit
November 27, 2012
Bill Kerensky was the back bone of community education in Florida. He was always there to assist in keeping schools open at night in many communities.He will be missed in education field as well as a friend. Thank you Bill Kerensky for coming my way!
November 27, 2012
I had the honor of being Bill's secretary when he was Eminent Chair at FAU. I worked with him for three years. There was not a finer gentlemen on the planet. I will miss him. He is surely in Heaven.
Lucy Guglielmino
November 27, 2012
Bill Kerensky was a visionary leader and a mentor and inspiration to many. The first experiences in my 32-plus years at FAU involved writing grants with Dan Gardner under the auspices of Bill's community education office and Eminent Scholar Chair in Community Education—and his vision of helping people to gain confidence and skills and to enrich their lives. From that time until now, his personal interest, wise advice, and wonderful stories have enriched my life and career and touched my family as well.
Bill tried to take care of everyone—he and my husband, Paul, had long talks about career decisions and strategies, and he always remembered to ask about the children, Joe and Meg. It is a great source of comfort to me that Meg, who is a physical therapist, was one of the last people to have a long and deep conversation with him when he was in the hospital a few weeks ago, and he regaled her with many old FAU stories and anecdotes from her childhood that he somehow remembered after all those years.
The broad scope of Bill's caring undergirded his commitment to community education. One of the things I remember best—I call it a “Kerenskyism”—is that Bill often said, ‘'Everybody deserves to be treated with courtesy. People may not remember what you said to them, but they will remember how you treated them—and it can make a difference in their lives.”
Bill was a lifelong, self-directed learner and a wonderful conversationalist. His insatiable curiosity about everything and everyone led to another Kerenskyism: “I'm nosy. I'm just like the little old lady who wants to know everyone's business.” And, of course, once he had the facts, he sought to contribute or assist in any way he could. He was a willing mentor to innumerable grateful graduate students, young faculty members, governors, legislators, building maintenance workers —the whole spectrum of humanity. He was the faculty member who took the office staff to lunch on Secretary's Day—and one year he even volunteered to “man” the telephones when it appeared that one staff member would have to stay behind because coverage could not be arranged (and of course, he made a joke about his good deed).
It has been said that you can easily judge the character of an individual by how he or she treats those who are considered to be of lesser status by society. By that measure, and by any other, Vasil Kerensky shines as a true character: witty, kind, outspoken, visionary, and a true and lasting friend. May he rest in peace, knowing he is remembered fondly by the many people whose lives he touched.
I regret that I will not be able to attend his memorial due to a prior commitment based on a personal invitation to attend my grandson's 4th birthday party, but I know Bill will understand. Farewell, good friend.
Lucy M. Guglielmino
Laura & Mark Pederson
November 27, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to you Victoria and your family.....we know this heartache all to well and just know he will always be with you.
Steven Cafarelli
November 26, 2012
Dr. Bill or Billy the kid, it made no difference. Bill was a great American who loved his family and his beloved Boca Raton. Bill and I sat many days discussing life and social discourse. He was way better than O'Reilly. I loved Bill and he made my life better for knowing him.
Steve Cafarelli
November 26, 2012
Dr. Kerensky, was a great influence in my choice in the profession of Community Education. Wonderful and compassionate man. We will meet again one day.
Judith Wisniewski
November 26, 2012
Our Most Heartfelt Sympathy to you Victoria and Entire Family. Rest in Peace Bill...you'll be missed.
Love, Judi and Lee
Ed Gehret
November 25, 2012
Dr. Kerensky was a tremendous influence in my professional life. As my doctorate adviser, he guided me to the completion of my degree and inspired me to a lifelong commitment to Community Education. Dr. Ed Gehret
Debbie Mock
November 25, 2012
Rick and Rachel, So sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my prayers.
joe mathos
November 25, 2012
Dr. Kerensky providing training for community educators in the state of
Your ideas will never die. You made me a better educator!!
Kim Stansell-Towe
November 25, 2012
I enjoyed having Dr. Kerensky as my professor several years ago. To this day I often find myself reflecting on some of the many things I learned from him. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
DR. KEN BECKER
November 25, 2012
DR.KERENSKY EMBODIED THE 'FLINT MICHIGAN CONCEPT' OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION THAT EDUCATION SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WHEN & WHERE THEY CAN STUDY & MEET THEIR NEEDS, SO THEY CAN USE THEIR EDUCATION TO BETTER THEIR LIVES & THE LIVES OF OTHERS. I WAS HONORED TO HAVE STUDIED UNDER BILL & TO HAVE HIM AS AN ADVISOR ON MY DOCTORAL DISSERTATION. BILL WAS AN EDUCATIONAL INNOVATOR WHO THOUGHT'BIG'& IMPLEMENTED HIS INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR THE GOOD OF THE INDIVIDUAL, THE COMMUNITY, & SOCIETY! THE WORLD HAS LOST BILL AT A TIME WHEN HE IS MOST NEEDED, AS WE REBUILD THE U.S.ECONOMY. TO BILL'S FAMILY I THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM WITH US. BILL,THE LAST I KNEW YOU WERE STILL WORKING 'SECOND SHIFT'; BUT, I AM SURE YOUR FATHER,FAMILY,STUDENTS,& FOLLOWERS ARE IMMENSELY PROUD OF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION & SOCIETY!
Tami K
November 25, 2012
Bill was a good man who loved his family and will be missed.
Dr Bernard Shulman
November 25, 2012
Bill was my colleague at FAU. He was always concerned about the well being of his students. I was proud to know him and gained much from his insight and knowledge. One of the nation"s leaders in Community Education. May I express my condolences to the family
November 25, 2012
Love you Dad, your my inspiration.
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