It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our long-time residents and former Councilman, Raymond T. Kerwin.  

Ray was a generous and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  He grew up in Rutherford with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters and later moved to Lincoln Park where he raised his family.

He served as a Captain with the United States Marines stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. Throughout his life, he remained a proud soldier and American. He had such pride in our Country and love for his family.
  
Ray was a man of faith and a long-time parishioner of St. Joseph’s Parish and cherished his roles as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.  
  
Ray proudly served the Lincoln Park Community in so many ways.  He sat on the Borough Council for 26 years and in 2016 was inducted into the NJ League of Municipalities Elected Officials Hall of Fame.  This honor is reserved for those governing body members who have served 20 years in elected municipal office.

Always ready to lend a hand, Ray was ready to help wherever he was needed - as a member of the Lincoln Park Sewer Authority, liaisons to the First Aid Squad and Recreation Department or PAL Baseball League. 

He was a supporter of all things Lincoln Park and was present at every Halloween Parade, Tree Lighting, 5K, Lincoln Park Day, Memorial Day Parade or Veteran’s Day ceremony…and his wife Joan was ALWAYS by his side.

Personally, Ray was a tremendous mentor to me in my elected positions of Councilman and Mayor.   Ray often “stepped in” for me when I had obligations that prevented me from attending some community events.  I was always proud to have his knowledge and wisdom represent me and this town.  He taught me many things that have helped me be a better representative of this community and for that I will be forever thankful. I will miss the honor of walking by his side at future Memorial Day Parades.

He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Jeanette, and his brothers Jerry, Paul, and Jimmy. He leaves behind his loving family - his wife, Joan and his sons Tim (Holly) and Sean; his cherished grandchildren Brian, Jake, and Samantha; his sisters Jeannie Allen and Celine Kerwin; his sister-in-law Carol Jordan Stark and his brother-in-law John Jordan (Nancy); and many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews as well as all his wonderful friends and neighbors.
  
Visitation is Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 4-8 pm at the Keri-Lozito Funeral Home , 125 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ . Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, 216 Comly Road, Lincoln Park, NJ on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11 am. 

Memorial Donations to the Lincoln Park First Aid Squad or St. Joseph’s Parish, Lincoln Park, NJ,  would be appreciated.

Please keep Ray's family in your thoughts and prayers.

 
 Rest in Peace Ray and Thank You for Your Service to Lincoln Park. 

Mayor David Runfeldt