Robert Kerr passed away peacefully in his home on March 2, 2017 surrounded by his family.

Robert “Robert” was born on January 6, 1928 at Kingsville, Pennsylvania. His parents were William Ignatius (Nate) Kerr and Josephine Veronica Keck Kerr.

On August 8, 1953, he married Doris Eileen Vogelbacher, the daughter of Bernard Francis and Mabel Marie Breneman Vogelbacher of Lucinda, PA.

Robert graduated from Clarion-Limestone in 1944. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Clarion State College in 1950. In 1953, he completed his Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh where he also attained a Doctorate in Education in 1971.

Robert served as a radioman in the United States Navy from 1946-1948 and again from 1950-1952.

Robert is perhaps best known as an educator. He began teaching science and chemistry in 1952 and taught in East Brady, Apollo, and Butler. In 1963, he was appointed to his first administrative position as Principal at East Washington High School. For six years, he served as Principal of Jeannette High School. In 1970, he was appointed as the Superintendent of Clarion Limestone, a role he filled with great pride until 1987.

After retiring from Clarion-Limestone, Robert served as Principal at Immaculate Conception and as Interim Director of the Clarion County Career Center. Robert also served his community as a County Commissioner and auditor, as well as a board member of the Economic Development Corporation. He was also a member of the Zoning Board and Civil Service Commission. He also served as a member of United Way and the Rotary.

Robert was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris and his three daughters and their husbands, Dawn and Thom Shannon of Endwell, NY, Sandy and Joe Lovaglio of Smyrna, GA, and Roberta and Tim Smith of Clarion. Robert and Doris have five grandchildren, Erin (Ed) Wilday, Kaelyn Shannon, Joseph Lovaglio, James “Jimmy” Smith, and Eric Smith. They are also blessed with two great grandchildren, Abree and Colin Wilday.

Robert is also survived by his brother Thomas Kerr of State College and by nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, William I., John R., and James W. Kerr and his sisters-in-law, Marion McClelland Kerr, wife of James Kerr and Jean Raybuck Kerr, wife of Thomas Kerr. Also preceding Robert in death were his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marie and John Garbarino.

Being an active member of Immaculate Conception Church was very important to Robert. He served as President of the Parish Council and of the Finance Council. He was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the choir and the Hospitality Committee.

Robert had a special fondness for music in the church. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Immaculate Conception Choir or church in his name.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory in Clarion.

Robert’s family will receive visitors from 9-11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Main Street in Clarion.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Monty Sayers officiating. Full Military Honors will be accorded by Clarion American Legion Post 66 during Mass of Christian Burial.

Entombment will be in the Immaculate Conception Mausoleum.

Friends and family may send online condolences, order memorials and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.