Robert Kerr

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Robert Kerr

NORWAY — Robert Kerr died peacefully on Saturday, February 9, 2013 in Norway, as a winter storm with gale force winds blanketed New England with up to three feet of snow. He was 93.

He was born and raised in New Jersey, graduating from Bloomfield High School and attending Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT). As a Mechanical Engineer he worked for Westinghouse until starting his own company to design and build complex machines including early robotic arms, flashcubes for Kodak cameras and Reddi-Whip canisters. His latest patent was awarded at age 86.

A veteran of WWII, he was a Merchant Marine serving on board the Liberty ship, SS Knute Rockne, as Engineer with older brother, Charles, as Captain. In his later years he enjoyed building model ships, including one of the Knute Rockne.

Mr. Kerr was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on February 17, 1954. He affiliated with the Oxford Lodge #18 in Norway, Maine. He was proud to be a Freemason and of his Scottish heritage.

He and his family lived in Chester, NJ before retiring to Maine.

Mr. Kerr is survived by his twin daughters, Eileen Klingler of Otisfield and Patricia Becker of Pohatcong, NJ; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and his younger brother, William "Red" Kerr, of Bloomsburg, PA. He was predeceased by Helen, his loving wife of 64 years; their son, Robert; daughter, Kathleen and his brother, Charles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 24 at Town & Country Community Center in Norway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oxford Masonic Lodge #18, 9 Temple Street, Norway, ME 04268.