Meticulous crafts man Anthony Kerr loved his family, sport and travelling
1926-2018
The death occurred peacefully at St Oliver Plunkett Nursing Home, Dundalk, on 4 January, 2018, of Mr Anthony Kerr, Stoney Lane, Ardee.
He hailed from Mullameelan in Ardee, the fourth oldest son of a family of 12 siblings, including sisters Phyllis, Gretta, Dolores and Marie, brothers Sean, Oliver, Brendan, Paddy Joe, Ron, Camillus, Malachy, all deceased, and surviving brother, Peter (Drogheda).
As was the custom at the time, he left school at 14 years of age to begin his plastering apprenticeship and became an accomplished plasterer in the family business.
He worked particularly throughout Louth, Meath, Dublin and further afield in Ireland, and also in the US, until his retirement at 65 years of age.
He was a meticulous craftsman who took many a young apprentice under his wing over the years to pass on the techniques of the trade.
He married Nancy Magee of Cangy, Dunleer, the love of his life, in the mid 50’s, and shortly afterwards they emigrated to New Jersey, USA, where Nancy had family living.
Anthony worked as a plasterer throughout northern New Jersey and Manhattan.
They returned to Ireland three years later, and resided in Hale Street, Ardee for a few years before building a house (doing a lot of the work themselves) in Stoney Lane in the early 60’s, where they continued to live their 60 years of marriage together.
Anthony loved travelling and socialising with Nancy. They were best friends and a devoted couple, and you seldom saw one without the other.
He visited the US on several occasions to renew acquaintances with family and friends, and later to Canada to visit his son Kenneth and daughter Arleen and their families, and, of course, later to Old Trafford in their late 70’s on a couple of occasions to see their beloved Man United.
Anthony loved all types of sport. He was a huge fan of Man Utd, but particularly St Mary’s GFC in Ardee.
He worked on the various building projects at their playing field over the years, and was a huge supporter of the team, long-time committee man, and also a senior team selector in his day.
Anthony had many good traits, but one abiding theme from people who visited the home for his wake or came to his funeral was that he was an ultimate gentleman, always friendly and courteous, always kind and helpful to everyone, never looking for something in return, always loving to all his family.
When Nancy died in October, 2014, he lost his soul mate and life was not the same again.
He continued to live at home for a further two years due greatly to the care, kindness and professionalism of all the HSE home care staff and particularly to Joan Carolan who continually went beyond the call of duty in her care of Anthony.
The family would also wish to thank most sincerely Margaret Mc Niece for all her kindness to Anthony also over the years in his home until his health deteriorated, necessitating his transfer to hospital and later to the nursing home.
The family would also like to thank the medical staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and especially to the Louth County Hospital Step Down Unit staff in Dundalk where he was later transferred and finally to the fantastic staff of St Oliver’s Nursing Home in Dundalk for their wonderful care and attention to Anthony over the last year or so.
Anthony is survived by his sons Kevin (Darver), Eric (Knockbridge), Kenneth (Toronto) and daughter Arleen (Toronto), his brother Peter (Drogheda), his 11 grandchildren, great-grandchild, daughters-in-law Margaret, Deirdre and Theresa and son-in-law Pat, sisters-in-law Ita Corrigan (Dunleer), Una Kerr (Drogheda) and Kathleen Kerr (Ardee), brother-in-law Billy Keely (Ardee), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Having reposed at his home, Anthony’s remains were taken to the Church of the Nativity, where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. John O’Leary PE, AP.
The readings were given by grand-daughter Emily and son Kenneth, while the Prayers of the Intercession were led by grandsons Barry, Mark and Oran.
The Offertory Gifts were presented by his daughter Arleen and son Eric. Gifts representing his life were brought to the altar by his brother Peter and grandson Ryan. The Eulogy was given by son Kevin.
The memorable music was provided by soloist Ruth Kelly Brady, accompanied by Paddy Neary.
A guard of honour from Anthony’s home to the church was provided by Ardee St Mary’s GFC.
After mass burial took place in Ballapousta Cemetery, and the large attendance at the removal and mass reflected the deep regard with which Anthony was held.
Month’s mind is on Saturday, 17 February in the Church of the Nativity, Ardee, at 6.30 pm.