Obituary of Kenneth Doerr

Born in Brooklyn, NY to George John Doerr, a NYC mounted and motorcycle police officer, and Helen (Walker) Doerr, Ken and his older brother George, Jr. (now deceased) were raised by relatives after their parents succumbed to Tuberculosis. The boys ultimately settled in North Plainfield with an Aunt and Uncle. Just a month short of his 18th birthday, Ken enlisted in the Navy and served as an aerial gunman on a PBY during WWII. After being honorably discharged and taking some time off to travel (what we'd call "finding ourselves" these days) Ken took a job with the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company as a lineman staying with NJ Bell through it's evolution and his own, retiring as a Supervisor in 1983. Ken wasn't with NJ Bell too long when he met Claryse Gail and the two married in 1951. Introducing his childhood best friend, John Sheppard to Claryse's sister Dolores resulted in another marriage soon after and the four remained very close over the years. Ken and Claryse built their own house in Watchung, NJ in the early 1950s, learning how to clear land, pour foundations, lay brick and plaster walls as they went. The process took nearly 3 years to complete. They went on to raise two children, Carole and Kenneth, Jr. Watchung was a small town experiencing growth at that time, and Ken found close and long-lasting relationships with neighbors and fellow residents, most particularly with photographer Warren Schoneberger. Some of the Doerr family's most treasured photos were taken by Warren. Over the years, Ken enjoyed involvement with the Boy Scouts Troop 32 and was dedicated to St. Mary's of Stony Hill and its parishioners. He enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing (catch and release as he disliked eating fish), woodworking, musical instruments (most particularly the guitar), fixing anything for anyone, cross-country travel, motorcycles, antique restoration, clock repair, yard work and internet surfing. He loved the "new" and the "different" and if you were looking to go on an adventure, he was certain to join you. He is predeceased by his son, Kenny. Ken leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Claryse, a daughter Carole and her husband Richard Allen, niece Joni Sheppard and her partner John Kasarda, nephews George Doerr (May), Kevin Doerr (Kate) and Tom Sheppard (Brenda). He also held very near and dear to his heart, his close boyhood friend John Sheppard and his wife Dolores, and fellow Watchunger and neighborhood cohort in mischief, Warren Schoneberger. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. For more details, go to: www.kidney.org/support/