Shrewsbury – Raleigh Burton Kerber died at home Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, with his family gathered by his side, after a long struggle with Alzheimer ‘s disease. He was 86.
Born Dec. 13, 1927 in Worcester, “Lee,” as he was affectionately known, was a son of the late Francis H. and Mary E. (Dandro) Kerber. A graduate of Leicester High School, he then earned his Bachelor’s degree from Clark University. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. On March 31, 1951 he married Helen M. Siemaszko in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Worcester, and they have lived in Shrewsbury since 1972.
He began his professional career as a biochemist for Eastern State Farmers Exchange, and later in agricultural sales for Big Dutchman Co. For over 20 years, he worked in sales for Allmerica Insurance Company before retiring in 2003.
Lee enjoyed polka dancing, bingo, fishing and camping, and time spent at their camp on Peter’s Pond in Sandwich. He was a member of St. Anne’s Church and Adelphi Council #4181 Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his wife of 63 years, Helen, he leaves his children, Cynthia M. Knipe and her husband John Jr. of Shrewsbury, Raleigh S. Kerber and his wife Isabel of Southborough, and David A. Kerber and his wife Janice of Sturbridge; his seven grandchildren, John F. Knipe III and his wife Cheryl of Florence, N.J., Katrina Judge and her husband Kerri of Easton, Kerensa Erminelli and her husband Jason of Jefferson, Evita Dolan and her husband John of Clinton, Tyson Kerber of Southborough, Dr. Stephanie Kerber of Westfield, and Daniel Kerber of Salem; his three great-grandchildren, Rachel and Emma Knipe of New Jersey and Reagan Erminelli of Jefferson; his brother, Robert Kerber and his wife Joanne of Tewksbury, Tani Lutjenis of Stonington, Conn., Rebecca Oke of Stoddard, N.H., and the late Joanne Kerber and Mallie Monteforte; and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Lee’s life by gathering for calling hours Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 4-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and Thursday, Nov. 13, at 9 a.m., before leaving in procession to Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Tpke., where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Honor Lee’s struggle with Alzheimer ‘s disease with a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.
