ORLEANS — Harry J. Kammerer, son of the late Agnes W. Kammerer and Harry A. Kammerer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Maureen, of 65 years, and his devoted family, on April 20, 2014.
He was born on April 16, 1917, in New York. He was a graduate of Manhattan College with a major in Business and Law. On the day after Pearl Harbor, he volunteered to join the Army and was later assigned to the Signal Corps, 12th Army Group serving in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France, and the Rhineland. He was awarded the Presidential Unit Service Award as well as several citations and Battle Stars. Harry met his soulmate, Maureen Dufficy, upon his return and the inseparable couple was married November 13, 1946. Harry joined the family business, Kamco Aluminum Products. His grandfather, Jacob Kammerer, was granted the original zinc weather stripping patent in 1911. Kamco was one of the very first companies to use extrusions. The company was granted patents on window and door construction. The products were known for clever design and indomitable longevity.
Harry and Maureen raised their family in Bronxville, New York, where he was a volunteer in the Emergency Room at Lawrence Hospital, a member of the Lions Club, former president of the Bronxville Camera Club, the first lecturer at St. Joseph's Church, and a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Westchester County. His favorite times were visiting the Botanical Gardens, ice skating and roller skating at Coney Island, and Sunday walks with his wife and children. Harry devoted his life to his family. Memorable summers were spent on the Cape in Wellfleet swimming, surf fishing and sailing.
He retired to Orleans in 1984, where he designed his dream house overlooking the town cove. Never a night passed where he wouldn't marvel at the sunset and look towards the next day with a morning kiss from his wife, optimism, his first cup of coffee, the swoop of seagulls above the glistening water, and the sun on his face. Harry was an active woodworker. As a member of Man Power, he made benches, stools, and quilt racks for the Holly Berry Bazaar. Up until four months ago, he was a lecturer at St. Joan of Arc Church, known for his presence and beautiful speaking voice. He was also a member of the Orleans Yacht Club. Harry became known as "The Sticker Man," issuing seasonal beach permits through the Town Hall. He held this position for 17 years.
Harry leaves his loving wife, Maureen; five sons and their spouses: H. Dennis and Martha Kammerer of Carmel, N.Y.; Brian and Glenda Kammerer of Rowayton, CT; Gregory and Annie Kammerer of Wakefield, R.I.; Brendan and Linda Kammerer of Marblehead, MA.; Kieran and Tamara Kammerer of Hallowell, Maine; and one daughter, Maureen Wittbold of Andover, MA. He was known as "Pops" to his 13 grandchildren: Maura Shirey; Jack, Brian, and Allison Wittbold; Gabrielle Kammerer and Ashley Stevens; Willa and Grey Kammerer; Piers, Clio, and Louisa Kammerer; and Hannah and Emma Kammerer. Pops became a great-grandfather on November 12, 2013 to Shawn William Shirey Jr. He is survived by his sister, Lynn K. Andrews, of New Rochelle, New York. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth; his brother, William T. Kammerer of Charleston, S.C.; and a sister, Agnes K. Berlow, of California.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, 2014, 11:00 AM, at St. Joan of Arc Church, 61 Canal St., Orleans, MA. Please join the family for a reception in the Parish Hall following internment.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
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