Obituary of Joseph W Kern

Joseph Kern, 95, of Carmel, NY passed away peacefully on November 9, 2023 at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, NJ. He is survived by two daughters, Eileen Lewis (Jim) and Susan Grenier (Denis); one son, Joseph Kern Jr; four grandchildren, Matthew Grenier, David Grenier, Justine King (Zach) and Julia Kern; and two great-grandchildren, James and Logan King. He is predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Mary Kern. Joseph was born on August 5, 1928 on Manhattan's Upper East Side. He and Mary met while they were working in a Grand Union warehouse. They eventually married in the Kern family home in Fort Lee in 1957. Joe and Mary moved to Passaic, NJ where they started their family, first welcoming Eileen, followed by Sue and son Joey. In the summers, they vacationed at a beach bungalow in Hampton Bays, Long Island. In 1962, Joe and Mary moved to Kelly Ridge in Carmel, NY to raise their kids while Joe worked at IBM. They joined St James Apostle Church, ran an after-school roller skating program at the high school, and became regulars at the Carmel Diner. An Army Veteran in the Korean War, Joe proudly served as Chaplin for the local VFW. In his spare time, Joe was likely found in his vegetable garden, rooting for the NY Giants, or grilling and tending bar for guests. Over the years, Joe and Mary hosted many family holidays and summer barbecues; they loved sharing their garden, swimming pool, and tree swing with their grandkids and neighbors. After his retirement, Joe and Mary had many opportunities to travel the world for leisure and visit their children. Their travels include Hawaii, Japan, Sweden, Thailand, Hong Kong and the UK. Aruba and Gloucester, MA were their favorite spots. Everywhere they went they enjoyed finding new restaurants to try. In 2018, Joe and Mary moved out of their wonderful home of 56 years to be closer to family in Millville, NJ. They quickly found their new diner. Joes family wishes to thank his friends and neighbors in the community for being such a fulfilling part of his life. He was a devoted husband and father, a goofball grandfather and a good friend and neighbor. He will be loved and missed for years to come. Services are private. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com