John K. "Jack" Kerr

John K. “Jack” Kerr, age 94, died peacefully on April 10, 2024, joining his wife, Carole, who passed away just 12 days before.  Although dearly missed by his family, they find comfort knowing Jack and Carole are together again.  Jack was born December 5, 1929, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late John and Glady Kerr.  A proud Pittsburgh native, he graduated from Perry High School in 1947.  Jack then attended Hiram University (Class of 1951) where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English Literature and lettered in football and in track.

After graduation, Jack enlisted in the Army Security Agency.  He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the 331 Communications Reconnaissance Company in Giessen, Germany.  During this period, he married Carole.  They were married for 72 years and had three children: Nancy (Otis) Osmianski, Patty (Neill) Brady, and Jeff (Lisa) Kerr.  After the service, Jack began a 45-year career in industrial advertising with Kerotest Manufacturing Company and other advertising agencies.  Jack was also an active member of Unity Presbyterian Church (formerly Wallace Memorial Church), where he served as a deacon and elder and sang in the Chancel Choir for many years. 

Shortly after retirement, Jack decided to share his vast Pittsburgh knowledge by working part-time at Visit Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh International Airport.  Jack promoted the city of Pittsburgh to thousands of travelers for the next 24 years, officially retiring at age 90. 

Jack was an avid sports enthusiast.  In addition to playing softball for 40+ years, he was a WPIAL football official for 25 years and volleyball official for 42 years.  He was also a proud model airplane hobbyist and built and displayed various types of airplanes.  A dedicated family man, Jack will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  His stories, wisdom, and the warmth of his company will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

In addition to his wife, Jack is predeceased by his brothers, Joel and Jeff.  Jack is survived by his children; sister, Joan (Arne) Oberg, brothers, Jay (Barbara) Kerr and James (Patti) Kerr; five grandchildren, Adam (Joy), Sarah (Denny), Claire (Sean), Anne (Dylan), and Jayme (Tyler); and six great-grandchildren, Brooke, Brady, Braden, Braxton, Beckett, and Briggs; and beloved cousins and extended family. 

There is no public viewing.  On April 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., a memorial service in his honor will be celebrated at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1146 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh.  Family and friends will be received at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hiram College, P.O. Box 67, Hiram, Ohio 44234, (Please be sure to indicate Football Program on the memo line.), or at www.hiram.edu/giving.

Arrangements are entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp., (412-563-2800). 

www.slaterfuneral.com