Alexander Kerr

Alexander “Alec” Kerr of Bogota, NJ, passed away at the age of 95 on March 27, 2025. He is preceded in death by his dear wife Margaret "Peggy" (nee Hickey). Alec leaves behind his six children - Debra and her husband Jerry, Bernadette and her husband Billy, Alec and his wife Monica, Gerard, Robert and his wife Patti, and James and his wife Melissa. He was also the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren - Dawn, David, Sarah, Joseph, Laura, Kaitlyn, Jennifer, Lauryn, Brenda, Shannon, and Jaclyn - and 9 great-grandchildren - Aria, Colton, Madeline, Parker, Veyda, Valentina, Tyler, Mila, and Quinn. Alec is also survived by his sister Nancy, who lives in Ireland.

Born in Ardee, County Louth, Ireland in 1930 to William and Catherine (nee Newbanks), Alec was one of 11 children. In 1963, Alec and Peggy immigrated to the United States. They settled in the Bronx with the large Irish community there and in 1969 moved to Bogota to raise their family. Alec was a mason by trade and a gifted handyman. He was employed by the Montvale Board of Education as Building Supervisor for 15 years. While working full-time, Alec attended night school and was a proud graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. In retirement Alec could most often be found in his favorite chair watching the Yankees.

Alec was a skilled Irish musician, playing multiple instruments, including the tin whistle, flute, and saxophone. He was most well-known for being a gifted flute player. Alec published two CDs that featured his music on the flute. He shared his talents with his community, playing with several Irish bands at local pubs and social events. Many weekends were spent playing at Irish venues in the Catskills. Alec passed his love of music on to his grandchildren, several of whom learned to play the flute in his honor. In support of his Irish heritage, Alec was a long-time member of the Bergen Irish Association based in Dumont, NJ.

Alec’s quiet strength, gentle kindness, and devotion to his family will continue in those he leaves behind. Visitation is Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 2 to 6 pm at Petrik Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Monday, March 31, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Bogota), where Alec was a long-time parishioner and usher. Interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Josph Catholic Church (Bogota) in Alec’s name.