Donald L. Kerr, 88, of Groton, CT (formerly of Old Saybrook and Westbrook), died unexpectedly in his home on Sunday September 18, 2016.
He is survived by his son Ben, daughter-in-law Amy, his daughter Stephanie and her husband Roger, and his daughter Jennifer.
Don, also known as "The New England Gardener", from his book of the same title, retired in 1991 from the Old Saybrook Public School System and continued to substitute teach into his eighties. Don was a graduate of Wesleyan University, and received his Doctorate from Brown.
As a lover of the arts, Don was very involved in many CT Theater companies, acted in and directed many local plays, and sang in many local choral groups. Beyond his passion for the theater, he had a great interest in history, travel and ecology. He traveled the world participating in numerous archaeological digs and ecological preservation programs.
Don had a very unique and eclectic life, he had been a smokejumper in Montana, Gardening Editor for the New London Day, a teacher to countless Old Saybrook students, a conductor on the Valley Railroad Steam Train, and a deckhand on the River Boat "Polly Ann". He also served in the United States Navy as a sub-mariner in World War II. He was one-of-a-kind, a true character. His unique ways and manner will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, on Saturday, October 8th between 1-3 pm with a short military honor service immediately following at 3pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 22, 2018
Pam
Once again I pulled The New England Vegetable Garden off my shelf to get ready for the growing season (each year I find something new in those pages!)... I feel like Ive known your dad for a long time, and am so sorry to read that he died. Please know that there are many gardens growing, and families eating healthy food, because of him!
July 31, 2017
Margie Cowan
Ben,
I contacted your father a number of years ago, working on the Kerr genealogy. You very kindly shared a number of photos with me.
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing.
If you have a minute, please reach out to me. mcowan @ rcn . com
June 14, 2017
Beth Warner
I did not know he had passed away and read his book The New England Vegetable Garden every year during the growing season. Sometimes his advice bugs me (probably because it is so good and I resent being told what to do) and I refer to the book (my daughter keeps it in HER library) as "that guy I hate book" but I really do not! I wish I had been able to take a gardening course or class or workshop from Don. Thinking of you and yours and just wanted to know he has FANS out there and always will. My grandson and I always use his basic stinky insect repellent recipe in the book, actually make a variation of it and sell it at the Acadia Farm Market my daughter manages in Town Hill, near Bar Harbor, Maine every friday during the summer months. I certainly do give him credit for providing us with some $5 sales each week. Sorry again for your loss. A great gardener most likely finding a patch to weed and tend in heaven.
October 24, 2016
Barbara Dimberg
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. I had the pleasure to work with Don for many years at Old Saybrook HS. A truly kind and gentle man.
October 21, 2016
Dear Amy and Ben,
Please accept our most sincere condolences for the loss of your Father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Pat and Bub Manning and Family
Old Saybrook, Ct.
October 8, 2016
Shelly (Partyka) Simons.
My deepest condolences on your loss. He was a truly amazing person. Not only was Dr. Kerr one of my favorite teachers, I also worked with "Don" (as he insisted I call him and I resisted) on the boats for years.
October 6, 2016
Dear Family. You are in my prayers. I am very sorry to hear of Don's passing. We have lost a very wonderful man
Sincerely,
Leeta Fontes.
October 5, 2016
Dr. Don Kerr was a richly talented, learned, and modest gentleman who enriched the lives and learning of the many students, colleagues, and friends lucky enough to have known him. My condolences to Jennifer, Stephanie, and Ben.
John Hennelly
October 4, 2016
Erin Kenny Bicho
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Kerr's passing. He was a wonderful teacher, and one of my absolute favorites. My prayers are with your family at this time.
October 4, 2016
Teresa Westerman
Deepest condolences , he was a great English teacher. He will be missed . Your family in my thoughts and prayers .
October 4, 2016
Jessica
Mr. Kerr was always a great teacher, very kind. I always loved seeing him in the classroom! My sincerest condolences to his family, may he RIP
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