New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
January 15, 1947 - September 12, 2024
Tom Kerr of Clinton, CT, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the age of 77 years, after a courageous and tough fight with cancer. He was born on January 15, 1947, in Hollywood, CA. Tom grew up in a military family and moved frequently as a child, but he settled in North Haven, CT, where he graduated high school in 1964. After graduation, Tom served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965 through 1968 and served his country in Vietnam. Tom was honorably discharged from active combat duty and earned distinction and medals for the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal while serving his country. Upon his return, Tom settled and started his family with Susanne Sheahan in Hamden, CT, and raised four children: Tommy, Erin, Shannon, and Colleen.
Tom was a New Haven Fireman from 1970-1980. Tom also served in the United States Coast Guard from 1974-1978. After a line of duty injury as a firefighter, Tom changed his career path and started All Freight Systems, a freight brokerage company based in Southington, CT. He grew the business successfully over the years. Tom retired at the young age of 56 and focused his purpose on his grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as ‘Bampie’, and enjoying retirement with his devoted wife, in Florida and on his boat, The Good Life. Tom, a Licensed Captain, he navigated his boat solo from CT to FL, where he enjoyed spending his winters and visiting his grandchildren in St. Petersburg, FL. Tom was a larger-than-life character, who positively influenced everyone he met. He enjoyed entertaining at his home in Clinton, hosting 4th of July parties, and Christmas Eve, where he could be found by the grill or in the kitchen. He was a fantastic cook and host, a true gentleman who had many values, and lived his life to the fullest, his way. His strong belief in friendship, love, and loyalty was his foundation and resonated with his Irish heritage.
Tom was preceded in death by his two children, Tommy and Colleen Kerr. He is survived by his wife, Susanne Kerr (Sheahan) of 54 years, Erin (Kerr) Gaudet ( John) of Clinton, and Shannon (Kerr) Olson of St. Petersburg, FL. Tom leaves behind seven grandchildren: Hannah, Mikaela, Heidi, Sophie Gaudet of Clinton, CT, and Logan, Chloe, and Liam Olson of St. Petersburg, FL.
The family would like to thank the US Veterans Affairs of West Haven, CT, for the care and compassion they showed our loved ones in their final days.
Family and friends are invited to visit the family at Swan’s Funeral Home, Clinton, CT, on Tuesday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a mass at St Mary’s Church, Clinton, CT, at 12:30 p.m. Tom will be laid to rest at St Mary’s Cemetery with full Military Honors following the Mass.
Tom believed in giving back, and as a proud patriot of his country, please consider donating to Tunnels to Towers ( t2t.org ) in his memory, which supports fallen first responders.