Kern, Permanent Deacon Paul R.

1931 – 2020

Retired Deacon Paul R. Kern, age 89, died on Sunday, September 6, 2020, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. During the last six months of his life, Deacon Kern was isolated from his wife and family at Holy Redeemer Hospital’s memory care unit. He was returned home this last weekend and died approximately seven hours later.

Deacon Kern was ordained at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, on May 23, 1993, by the Most Reverend Louis A. DeSimone. He was assigned to Saint John Baptist Vianney Parish, Gladwyne, where he served until his retirement in June 2006. During that time, Deacon Kern became very close with the late Bishop DeSimone, who was residing at Saint John Baptist Vianney Parish, at the time.

Deacon Kern attended the University of Kentucky on a basketball scholarship. He was injured in his second year and returned to serve two years active duty in the Navy as a dental assistant with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. After completing his military service, Deacon Kern attended business classes at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

He was employed for 23 years as an executive with Amchem Products, and later as President of the North American headquarters for Compagnie Française de Produits Industriels. He also served on the Board of Directors for Graduate Hospital. He began studying for the Permanent Diaconate following his secular retirement.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, of 68 years; five children: Paul R. Jr., Deborah, Donna, Jeffrey, Kelly, nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers: Thomas Kern, James Kern; and, by his sister Jean Howell.

Due to the pandemic, a private burial will take place on Friday, September 11, 2020, at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken. The Reverend William G. Donovan will be the presider. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.