Richard L. "Dick" Kern

Born:  July 23, 1936

Died: September 9, 2020

William Ludwig Kern and Hazel Preiss Kern welcomed their youngest son, Richard Leroy Kern, to the world on July 23, 1936.  Big brother, William Louis "Bill" Kern, and Richard were raised by their parents in their Darien Street home in Philadelphia.  Bill who was seven years older than his little brother, used to take Rich to the movies and ride the El train.

Richard went to Dobbins Technical High School and graduated in January 1955.  Rich served active duty in the U.S. Army from April 1956 to February 1958 and was given an Honorable Discharge on March 31, 1962.  While in the Army he gained the new nickname of Dick.

Dick met the love of his life, Mary Ann Buchheit, on March 17, 1959 at a dance held at the Brookline on the Boulevard and were married on January 21, 1961.  Dick and Mary Ann raised their children; Richard R. "Rick" Kern Sr. born in November 1963, James S. "Jim" Kern born in April 1965, and Donna M. Kern born in March 1968 in their Algard Street home in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia.

He converted to Catholicism, being baptized in August 1960 and confirmed in December 1960.  The family attended mass every Sunday together and Dick was a faithful practicing Catholic.

Dick and family were members of St. Timothy's R.C. Church for approximately 45 years.  He was a member of the Men of St. Tim's; chaperone of the grade school dances on Friday nights and the roller skating on Saturday nights.  Dick ran the poker and blackjack games for the parish annual mid-winter festival.  He coached baseball for his boys' teams at Roosevelt Playground and was involved with his boys while they were in the Cub Scouts.  Dick was also a proud dad watching his daughter at dance recitals.

During his working years, Dick worked as a Warehouse Manager at Kraft Foods and a Terminal Manager for several trucking companies: Chesapeake Motor Lines, Maislin Transport, Pennsylvania Truck Lines, and Ward Trucking.  He finished his career working for Keebler Company.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann, children and spouses: Rick & Diane Kern, Jim & Beth Kern, Donna & Rick McElhattan and his grandchildren: Richard R. "Rick" Kern Jr. and his wife Emily Passafiume Kern, Jaclyn M. Kern, Lindsay E. Kern, Brendan E. Kern, Robert M. Kern, James A. "JAK" Kern, Ryan D. McElhattan, and Kyle J. McElhattan.

Additional family members:  Michael J. Buchheit and Kathleen B. Buchheit (brother and sister-in-law), Donald and Cyndi Kern, David and Cindy  Kern and their families (nephews and spouses), Michael  and Kris Buchheit and their family (nephew and spouse), Lisa and Michael Burdick and their family (niece and spouse).

Dick was predeceased by William L.  and Hazel Preiss Kern (parents), Joseph G. and Marie Gehringer Buchheit (father and mother-in-law), William L.  and Lois W. Kern (brother and sister-in-law), Nancy Kern Andersen (Niece).

Dick was a big Philadelphia sports fan.  He enjoyed watching the games on television and was an Eagles season ticket holder for a number of years during the 1970's.  He enjoyed playing pinochle with family and friends and 500 rummy with the grandkids.  Later in life he became an avid Words with Friends player on his iPad, often having 20 to 30 games going at a single time.  He loved telling everyone he came across jokes and riddles.  He always loved to give the kids math puzzles to solve.

Dick passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday night September 9 ^th .

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Gathering Friday September 18,2020 10:30am to 11:30am St. Timothy Church 3001 Levick St. Phila., Pa. 19149. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30am. Interment Private. Please visit Dick's photo gallery on this site.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to:

Neumann University

One Neumann Drive

Aston, PA 19014

Attn: University Advancement

Checks can be made payable to:

Neumann University – Brendan P. Kelly Scholarship Fund

Memo line: In memory of Richard L. Kern