John Edward "Skip" Kern

Kern - John Edward, 80, affectionately known to all as “Skip” — after a brief illness, he passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jean (Paolillo) Kern; his son, Michael Kern, and wife Beth (Dillon), and their daughters Genevieve and Elise; his daughter, Anne Romesberg, and husband Matt, and their son Matthew, engaged to Hannah Timcik, and daughter Trinity, married to Marcus Douglas. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Edward “Eb” and Anna (Campbell) Kern.

Skip was born on April 17, 1945, in Niagara Falls, NY, where his father was stationed with the FBI. He grew up on Tioga Street in Westmont and graduated from Westmont Hilltop. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Skip spent his career proudly as a welder in the Railroad Car Shop at Bethlehem Steel, a true “Mill Rat”.

In 1960, he and his father bought Oak Lane Farm. For decades he raised Polled Hereford beef cattle. If you were looking for Skip you knew he would be outside working on the farm, likely on a Farmall tractor.

Other hobbies included construction of elaborate model railroad displays, traveling to model train shows & farm auctions; he also loved history. But his favorite past time was attending his grandchildren’s sporting and artistic events as their biggest fan. Friends and extended family remember fondly the picnics at the farm pond and hay rides that Skip loved to host. But most of all, Skip will be remembered for his humorous stories, amazing memory, and quick one-line quips.

Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Monday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Vigil for the deceased will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Anne Catholic Church, Davidsville, with Father Karl Kolodziejski O.F.M. Conv. and Fr. James F. Crookston Concelebrating. Committal will be at Grandview Cemetery.

The family suggests contributions be directed to Somerset County Meals on Wheel Inc., 235 West Church Street, Somerset, PA 15501 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of John. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.