Obituary of Joseph T. Kerwin

Joseph T. Kerwin, 81 PEABODY – Joseph T. Kerwin, 81, beloved husband of Jean (Gregory) Kerwin, died peacefully on Thursday June 29, 2017 at Mass General Hospital in Boston, following an extended illness. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late William and Katherine (Brophy) Kerwin. He grew up in Peabody, graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Lynn, Class of 1954, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. Mr. Kerwin worked with Cushman Bakery in Lynn, and in maintenance at Salem Hospital before starting a career with the City of Peabody. His first job was with the Shade Tree Department, then moved over to the Cemetery Department. He retired as Superintendent of Cemeteries for the City of Peabody in 1997. Joe was athletic and enjoyed playing baseball in his youth. He played with the Air Force, and was a scout with the Washington Senators organization for a short time. He was an avid Red Sox fan. He was a volunteer supporting the Arbella Drum Corps, and also with the Schooner Friendship in Salem. He was always one of the gang visiting his friends at Red’s Sandwich Shop in Salem. He is survived by his wife Jean (Gregory) Kerwin of Peabody, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage; a daughter Kelly King and her partner Kevin Anderson of Peabody; two granddaughters, Elizabeth King of Corvallis, OR and Samantha King of Peabody; three brothers, William Kerwin of Portland, ME, John Kerwin of Peabody and Paul Kerwin of Avon; a devoted sister-in-law Donna Marcotte of Peabody, as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family around the North Shore. He was the brother of the late James Kerwin. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Thursday July 6, 2017 at 11 AM in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 – 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to either the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.