Joseph Donald Kerns

Joseph Donald (“Don”) Kerns, age 95, of Port Carbon, PA, passed away at home with family at his side on Wednesday morning, January 8, 2025.
Born in Pottsville, PA on November 29, 1929, Don was the beloved son of the late Patrick and Minnie (Schierhoff) Kerns of Darkwater, PA. He was a lifelong parishioner (and unofficial sexton) of St. Stephen’s Church in Port Carbon and, thereafter, a member of Holy Cross Church, New Philadelphia.
Don graduated from St. Clair High School in 1947. Following in his older brothers’ footsteps, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Schuylkill County and worked for the A&P grocery store for almost 40 years. He met his wife of 65 years, Winnie, during a deposit run to the Miners Bank in Port Carbon, where she was a teller.
Don lived an energetic, adventurous, and meaningful life. He flourished as a Boy Scout  Cubmaster, Port Carbon Borough Councilman, and County Controller of Schuylkill County—a role he took to like water. It was divine providence that after his final reelection loss, he was called upon to help Winnie recover from a devastating stroke. Despite this, he was forever an optimist; his favorite saying was “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”
Don worked tirelessly to support his family—both financially and emotionally. He also took on many (many) home construction projects. Throughout his life, he was often seen lying on Valley Street repairing a car—he was a crack mechanic and could fix almost anything! In retirement, Don continued to serve Port Carbon as a board member of the Pottsville Sewer Authority. He was also active in Habitat for Humanity, the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He enjoyed travel, puzzles, and woodworking projects. He built birdhouses, crafted toys for his children and grandchildren, and had chipmunks eating out of his hands (literally). Don had a thrill-seeking side, too. He caused great consternation for Winnie when he decided for his 65th birthday (and birthdays thereafter) that he would go bungee-jumping, skydiving, scuba-diving, hot-air ballooning, and run the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon—twice. 
Always first and foremost, Don was eternally proud and celebrated each of his eight children, all his grandchildren (who lovingly called him “Nanoose”) and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Brian (Kristy Rauch), Colleen (David Garber), Timothy (the late Rebecca Finley), Daniel, Maureen (the late Michael Rutkowski), Kathleen, Anne Michelle (Robert Keefe), and Robert (Hiroko Ota). He was adored by his cherished grandchildren: Padraic, Tai, Mana, Kai, Karina (Ryan), Hannah, Megan, Sarah, Katharine, Caleb, Elizabeth (Evan), Emily (Austin), Matthew (Michal Tapia), Emmett, Ian, Mari, Conor (Brittany), and great-grandchildren Matthias, Mikhael, Abby, and Finn. Don was predeceased in death by his dearest Winnie, his mother and father, his brothers Patrick (“Junior”), James, Jack, and his sister, Rosemary. His surviving brothers are Thomas and Robert (“Brother Brian”). We will continue to miss and love Don every day.
A Memorial Mass to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 11AM on February 3, 2025 at Holy Cross Church with visitation before Mass, starting at 9:30AM at the church. His interment will be held at a later date at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The Robert A Evans Jr. Funeral Home in Port Carbon is in charge of arrangements. Please send condolences to www.robertaevansjrfhl.com.