William H. "Bill" Kerr

2/23/1937 - 3/18/2025

East Lyme - William "Bill" H. Kerr, 88, formerly of East Lyme, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Bill was born Feb. 23, 1937 in New London, to Henry C. Kerr and Lena Doyle Kerr.

He grew up in Waterford. He married Penelope Brennan Kohrs, April 18, 1959 in East Lyme where he lived for 65 years and raised his family. Bill and Penny had recently moved to Solstice Senior Living in Groton.

Bill was a career firefighter who spent 29 years at the Sub Base Fire Department, retiring as assistant chief in 1990. Bill was also a volunteer firefighter at Flanders Fire Department where he served as fire chief for 20 years, from 1962 to 1982. Bill was instrumental in bringing ambulance and rescue services to the Flanders section of East Lyme. He attended the National Fire Academy in Maryland, and was an instructor for the CT Fire Academy. In 2016, the New London County Fire Chiefs Association honored him for 50 years of fire service. Bill was also a part-time East Lyme police officer during the 1960s and 70s. After retirement, Bill continued to work for the town of EL in various capacities; his last job being as a school bus driver when he was in his 70s which he very much enjoyed. Bill also served eight years in the CT National Guard.

Bill enjoyed many years spent at the family vacation home in Ludlow, Vt., skiing at Okemo. Bill was the ultimate grandfather, known as Papa Bear, to five grandchildren who he taught to swim, ride bikes, whistle, drive a car and all the fire safety they ever need to know. They also know to "watch out for wet leaves" while driving a car.

He is survived by his wife Penny of Groton; his son Brad Kerr of Groton; and his daughter Shawn Smith (Gary) of Hanover. He is survived by five grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Lindsey Kaiser, Jacqueline Alves, Tasia Wescott, Will Kerr and Madison Smith. Bill is also survived by his brother Raymond Gardner of Waterford; and seven great-grandchildren in Connecticut and Florida. He was predeceased by his son Breckenridge Kerr; his sister Marion Corey; and two brothers, Frank Gardner and Hank Kerr.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at Thomas Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. Burial will be private.

The family would like to thank nurses/PCT's on 5.4 at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital where Bill was a "frequent flyer" and received excellent care over the years. Also the staff at Smilow in Waterford for years of great care. Special thanks to firefighter Eddie Waido for all the years taking Bill to monthly County Fire Chiefs meetings when he could no longer drive himself. It added to his quality of life greatly as being a firefighter was his life.