John (Jack) Kern, Sr. passed away on August 19, 2015 in Newbury Park, CA. Born August 23, 1917, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Jack grew up in upper Manhattan along the Hudson River. He studied aeronautical engineering and business at Fordham University. Jack served with first the Coast Guard, then Navy and served in Panama with the Army Corps of Engineers to bomb proof the Panama Canal during World War II. He later joined the Army and then the Air Force teaching airmen how to survive in the dangerous B-24 Bombers. After Jack’s service in the military, he returned to the states and settled on Long Island. He became an entrepreneur involved in aviation, computers and electronics. After he retired, he stayed busy by sailing around Long Island and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Jack was a friendly outgoing person with a gentle smile and disarming laugh. He loved football, as well as helping people. Jack had a smile and wink even to the end. Jack is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ann Kern, his children Jack Kern Jr. and his wife JoAnn Kern, daughter Linda Tully and her husband Steve Tully, and grandchildren John (Sandra), Todd and Katie Tully. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Jack’s name (woundedwarriorproject.org). Memorial services will be private.
