1 Photo
Thomas Kerr Jr.
Thomas “Big Tom” Michael Kerr Jr. died on Tuesday, April 28, at his home in Remsenburg. He was 74.
Mr. Kerr was a dedicated humanitarian who had a lasting impact on many, his family said. His memory is survived by his love of storytelling, selflessness, forgiveness, humor, and everlasting love and support to all, they said.
In his 74 years, he dedicated his life to the service of others. First, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1964-1970 and was honorably discharged.
Upon returning, he entered the insurance business and sold property and casualty, as well as life and health insurance.
He served his community for 38 years as an active member of the Rotary Club, in which he held one term as the district governor and two terms as the president. Mr. Kerr served as district chair of Rotary Youth Exchange, which connected youths globally by both sending and hosting teens from other countries to enrich their cultural knowledge and experience.
In addition, he sat the Remsenburg-Speonk School Board for 15 years, was on the Southampton Town Licensing Review Board, and sat on the board for the Gift of Life to assist children and adults with life-threatening illnesses.
His love of people was only matched by his love of animals, his family recalled. Amongst his accolades is one common denominator — a selfless desire to connect with others, enrich the lives of others, and to leave this world a better more peaceful place.
Mr. Kerr cast a wide net of love around the globe, his family said. To say that he wore many hats throughout the years would be an understatement, they said.
However, his proudest achievement in life was the family he created.
Mr. Kerr is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; his son Thomas (wife Diana); daughter Michaela (husband Peter); brother Richard (wife Bonnie and their four children Elizabeth, Kimberly, Nikki, Richard); brother Michael (wife Diane and their two children Michael and Kaitlyn).
His spirit is also carried on by extended family and friends from every walk of life around the world, his family said.
His family wishes to host a memorial to pay tribute to and celebrate his life at a later date, to be announced.
27east on May 4, 2020