Obituary of Leonard John Kerr

U. S. Army Veteran of World War II Leonard John Kerr, age 92, beloved husband of Rose Cubelli Kerr of Trumbull, died on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at St. Vincents Medical Center. Born in Bridgeport on January 6, 1920, he was the youngest of eleven children to the late George and Mary Lyons Kerr. His strong lifelong Christian faith showed early as an altar boy at St. James Church in Stratford. He later graduated from Stratford High School, class of 1938, where he was the Captain of the basketball team. After Pearl Harbor, Leonard was drafted into the U. S. Army. Always honest, he served in North Africa, Italy and France as a military policeman for nearly four years, barely escaping death during the German bombing of Bari, Italy. After World War II, Leonards thirst for knowledge and the GI Bill allowed him to attend Arnold College, where he earned his Teachers Degree while working odd jobs to support his bride, Rose Cubelli Kerr. Leonards dedication showed when he landed his first teaching job at Edison School in Trumbull in 1949. Having no car, he travelled by bus from South Stratford to downtown Bridgeport where he transferred for the ride up to Trumbull and then back again, five days a week. He taught at Middlebrook School when it opened in 1952. During the 1950s, after work, Leonard travelled a few nights every week by train to NYU where he received his sixth year certificate. He was awarded the principalship of Nichols School in Trumbull in 1957 and later became the principal of Jane Ryan School from 1960-1977 before returning again to head Nichols School. Along the way, he made a lot of great friends, not just fellow educators but students and parents too. Being a kind principal, Mr. Kerr made it a point to know where every student lived in his district, had concern for their safety and a good repore with their parents. After retiring from the Trumbull School System, he taught at the International Institute in Bridgeport. Leonard was a member of the American Legion, a parishioner at St. Theresas Church and as a good father, Past President of the Trumbull American Little League. He was also a big Red Sox fan! Leonard was pre-deceased by his son, Robert and his brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife Rose, his son Leonard, brother-in-law, Mario Cubelli and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Drs. Levin, Luthi, Gomez and Simkowitz and all the staff at St. Vincents ICU and 9th Floor North for their long, dedicated service. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Interment with full military honors will take place in Park Cemetery, Bridgeport. Friends may call on Monday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.