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Peter Kerns

Peter Ainslie Kerns, 75, of Chatham, New Jersey passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Morristown Medical Center.

Peter was born on November 15, 1942 in Elizabeth, NJ. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Elenor (nee Hankins) Kerns Sr.

Peter was a lifelong resident of Chatham, a proud Eskie, Rutgers University graduate with a degree in English, and a lifelong “wordsmith”.  He was a member of the Chatham Community Players and Chatham Fish and Game club. Peter’s latest passion was “molding young minds” as a substitute teacher with the School District of the Chathams. Hawaiian shirt beneath a winter coat, Peter would always rather be enjoying fourth-generation beach time at “Sea Foam” in Harvey Cedars, NJ. At home, inked-in NY Times crossword puzzles still litter a kitchen that saw much laughter and countless culinary creations. Floating in the ocean, bodysurfing, and working on his golf game were sought out pastimes. With a quick wit and gentle social spirit, Peter could be found chatting with any and all people that crossed his path from the “fishmonger” at Shoprite, to neighbors “across the fence,” his cohorts in the school district, and those he met on his beach sharing the magic of the salt air that he so enjoyed.

Peter is remembered by his wife of 44 years, Susan Elaine Kerns. He was the loving father of daughter, Emily Ainslie Bailey and her husband Thomas. Proud father of Simon William Kerns and the adoring grandfather of Ella Peyton Bailey and Mia Ainslie Bailey. He was predeceased this winter by his brother, William Kerns, Jr.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928. A celebration of life will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Peter’s name to livingocean.org or operationsmile.org. His family will be wearing Hawaiian shirts from Peter’s famous “collection”, and friends are invited to join our rememberance in Hawaiian style or preferred beachwear. Extra Hawaiian shirts will be available for any to join the fun in remembering Peter’s flair.

Peter Kerns
Memorial
  • born

    Nov 15, 1942

  • died

    Mar 28, 2018

Ella Bailey
Thank you for all that you did while my Mom and my family were in shock and sorrow
David DuBuisson
I'm sorry to be so behind in learning of Peter's passing. We were best friends during the Milton Avenue school era, but life took us in different directions. Our birthdays were a month apart. This photo was taken at our joint 10th, an occasion for first dates in Cub and Brownie uniforms. (L to R) Lynn Chesterman, David DuBuisson, Cindy Wrigley and Peter Kerns. May Peter Rest In Peace. David
Emily Bailey
Thank you so much for reaching out.
Would love to see the picture larger. Please feel free to email me at eabailey513@gmail.com
Thank you,
Emily (Kerns) Bailey-daughter
Ella Bailey
mom how did this happen -ella
Peter Kerns
Memorial
  • born

    Nov 15, 1942

  • died

    Mar 28, 2018