Donald J. Kerr (D.J.)age 85, died unexpectedly on Saturday December 13th at Community Hospital of the Monterey Pennisula. Mr. Kerr was born in Vestaburgh, PA. Don spent his formative years in McKeesport, PA and graduated from McKeesport High School. He met his future wife Louise Boehmer, a cheerleader, while playing Center position for the McKHS Tigers football team. They were married after WWII and were together for 55 years. Don was a Paratrooper in the U.S. Army during WWII serving in New Guinea and the Phillipines. After the war, Don attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1950 with a B.S. in Business Administration. After graduation, he worked for the Naval Research Institute in Washington D.C. The majority of his career however, was spent working for the Westinghouse Corporation, specializing in the area of Nuclear Power. It was his work with Westinghouse that brought Don and his family to Saratoga in 1964. Among his numerous projects was procurement associated with the Nautilus and Skipjack; the first two Nuclear Submarines to venture under the Polar Ice Cap.
Don and Louise moved to Hollister in 1984 and became active members of the Ridgemark Country Club. They both learned to play golf while in their twenties and it became a life-long avocation. They loved to travel and did not miss an opportunity to “get in a round” during vacations. Don served on the Ridgemark Board of Directors and was a member of the Elks and SIRS. Don was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Don is survived by his brother, Frank Kerr of Richmond, VA; Janet Twinem of Laguna Niguel; Beverly Kerr of Monterey; and 5 grandchildren: Justin and Devin Leisinger (ages 24 and 21) Peter, Laura and Rebecca Twinem (ages 23, 21, 20). A private service will be held in Hollister followed by a full Color Guard Ceremony held at the San Joaquin National Cemetery.
