Obituary for Robert Woodrowe Kerwin SPRUCE HEAD, MAINE and ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS – Dr. Robert W. Kerwin, 80, died unexpectedly at his home Sunday, May 6, 2018, after enjoying a Saturday evening of dinner and happiness with his wife Lorraine and neighbor friends. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, February 23, 1938, he was the son of Dr. Elmer E. and Marjorie B. Rowe Kerwin. He grew up in Lynnfield, MA, and was a graduate of Wakefield High School.
He graduated from Massachusetts College of Optometry on August 29, 1962. Soon after earning his Doctorate of Optometry, he had a private practice known as Dr. Robert W. Kerwin, O.D. in Andover, MA for 50 years. He retired November 28, 2014.
An ardent history buff, he was moreover an automotive aficionado. He loved fast toys, be it boats, snowmobiles or cars. He spent many hours on Lake Winnipesauke.
For more than 30 years, he enjoyed Rackliff Island at Spruce Head, where he built a summer home. September 3, 2005, he married Lorraine C. Maxwell at Rockport. In March of 2017 the Kerwins made Rackliff Island their permanent home.
Bob, as he was known to his friends and family, also loved animals. Over the years he had several beloved golden retrievers. In later years, he loved his cats, especially the one who came to his door at Halloween, which he named ‘Treat’.
For more than 15 years, Bob has enjoyed a unique relationship with a seagull he named ‘Ralph’. Ralph was a frequent visitor to the Kerwin home, where he enjoyed being fed and talked to by his good friend Bob. Bob even considered Ralph’s comfort in any exterior modifications done to the Kerwin home.
Bob was a member of the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Masonic Lodge. Other than his parents, Bob was pre-deceased by his first wife and mother of their daughter, Susan Kumph Kerwin. He is survived by his wife Lorraine of Spruce Head; his daughter, Sandra Kerwin Smith and her husband Richard; two grandchildren, Shelby Kerwin Smith, Austin Robert Smith all of Sandown, NH; one step-son, Scott Maxwell and his wife Antonella of Salem, MA.
Rather than participating in a formal service, Bob’s family requests you remember him by enjoying a quiet time or special place of your choosing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.
Robert Woodrowe Kerwin February 23, 1938 – May 6, 2018 Share this tribute Memorial Candles Lit for Robert | SEE ALL Light a Candle Funeral Details Condolences & Tributes Photos, Videos & Stories Send Flowers Obituary for Robert Woodrowe Kerwin SPRUCE HEAD, MAINE and ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS – Dr. Robert W. Kerwin, 80, died unexpectedly at his home Sunday, May 6, 2018, after enjoying a Saturday evening of dinner and happiness with his wife Lorraine and neighbor friends. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, February 23, 1938, he was the son of Dr. Elmer E. and Marjorie B. Rowe Kerwin. He grew up in Lynnfield, MA, and was a graduate of Wakefield High School.
He graduated from Massachusetts College of Optometry on August 29, 1962. Soon after earning his Doctorate of Optometry, he had a private practice known as Dr. Robert W. Kerwin, O.D. in Andover, MA for 50 years. He retired November 28, 2014.
An ardent history buff, he was moreover an automotive aficionado. He loved fast toys, be it boats, snowmobiles or cars. He spent many hours on Lake Winnipesauke.
For more than 30 years, he enjoyed Rackliff Island at Spruce Head, where he built a summer home. September 3, 2005, he married Lorraine C. Maxwell at Rockport. In March of 2017 the Kerwins made Rackliff Island their permanent home.
Bob, as he was known to his friends and family, also loved animals. Over the years he had several beloved golden retrievers. In later years, he loved his cats, especially the one who came to his door at Halloween, which he named ‘Treat’.
For more than 15 years, Bob has enjoyed a unique relationship with a seagull he named ‘Ralph’. Ralph was a frequent visitor to the Kerwin home, where he enjoyed being fed and talked to by his good friend Bob. Bob even considered Ralph’s comfort in any exterior modifications done to the Kerwin home.
Bob was a member of the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Masonic Lodge. Other than his parents, Bob was pre-deceased by his first wife and mother of their daughter, Susan Kumph Kerwin. He is survived by his wife Lorraine of Spruce Head; his daughter, Sandra Kerwin Smith and her husband Richard; two grandchildren, Shelby Kerwin Smith, Austin Robert Smith all of Sandown, NH; one step-son, Scott Maxwell and his wife Antonella of Salem, MA.
Rather than participating in a formal service, Bob’s family requests you remember him by enjoying a quiet time or special place of your choosing. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.
Printable Send flowers to the family Choose from beautiful standing, table and basket arrangements. Safe and secure online ordering. View Flower Arrangements What has already been purchased for the family?
Family Log-In The Family Interactive feature enhances An Amazing Life. Authorized family members can securely access their loved one’s memorial website settings at any time. Subscribe to Updates Connect with families at their time of loss.
By subscribing to email updates, you will receive two daily updates containing all new stories, photos, candle lightings, condolences, and more.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
