Robert J. Kerrigan, Sr.
December 8, 1931 - June 4, 2020
Robert J. Kerrigan, Sr., age 88, of Newark, DE, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2020.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on December 8, 1931, he was a son of the late Thomas A. and Margaret (McBride) Kerrigan. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, after graduating from Villanova University. He made his career as a chemical engineer with Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and FMC Corp.
A devout Catholic, Bob was a member of St. John-Holy Angels Parish and active in the Knights of Columbus as a 4th degree Knight. Active in his community, Bob volunteered for many local charitable organizations. He was a passionate sports fan and looked forward to cheering on both the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles each season. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and especially looked forward to family vacations.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Kerrigan; daughter, Janelle Millman; brothers, James Kerrigan and Thomas Kerrigan; and his former wife, E. Norene Kerrigan. Bob is survived by his wife of 34 years, Arleen A. (Rossi) Kerrigan; daughters, Norene Mast (Leon) and Judithann Deakyne (Mark); sons, Robert Kerrigan, Jr., Kevin Kerrigan (Kathy), Jason Millman, and Nathan Millman (Bronwyn); daughter in law, Irene Kerrigan; brother, Charles Kerrigan (Angel); 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Brandywine Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Seasons Hospice and Christiana Care COVID-19 Unit for the excellent care given to Bob during his illness.
A public visitation will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Wednesday evening, June 10, 2020, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, in compliance with COVID-19 regulations. Services and interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made to St. John-Holy Angels Parish, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE 19711.
Patti Zimmie
My condolences to you,Norene, and your family . May your memories of your dad comfort you through this difficult time.
Love your friend, Patti
Margie Narkum
So very sorry for your loss. Bobby was my second cousin. All the Kerrigan brothers (Bobby, Charlie, and Tommy used to come to our house in Oreland,Pa. I am one of the Twins. My mother was Mary Girl and watched those boys growing up.
Clarice Wright
Miranda –
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather. I pray for strength and healing for you and your family during this diffcult time.
Cynthia Major
Miranda,
I am sorry for your lost. You and your family are in my prayers.
Cindy Major
Wilmington Trust
Krista McCrea
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lots of good memories with Bob. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Sue and John McGillen
Dear Arleen and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We will always remember him for his calm and gentle spirit and wonderful sense of humor. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Duke and Rita Fitzcharles
Sincere condolences to you Arleen, and to the family. Will always remember Bob for his quiet warm nature. And a smile to match. Will keep you and the family in our hearts.
Chris Moriak
On behalf of all brothers of Knights of Columbus – Holy Angels Council, I want to extend our deepest sympathies. Bob was a beloved member of our council and parish, and his smile will be missed.
Gail and Jimmy Samis
Ar,
So deeply sorry for your loss, love. Please know that we carry you in our hearts and that we wish peace to you and your family.
Paul Keely
Arlene, Bob & Nathan; please accept my condolences on Bob Sr’s passing. What a perfect gentleman, volunteering for anything and everything, and always a ready smile no matter how he was feeling or what he was going through. He left a great legacy in his family and his good works, and he’ll be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy Deitrick
Bob was a wonderful person. He was very welcoming and very helpful. It was very evident how much he loved his family. You could see his influence God bless his family as they grieve him.
Mike Luck
I am sorry for your loss. Bob was a good man who touched many lives with his joy and kind heartedness. It was a privilege to know him for so many years in the Knight of Columbus. Prayers and best wishes for peace during this tough time.
Dave Connor
My sincere condolences to Arleen and the rest of the Kerrigan family on this sad occasion. I’ve known Bob since 1958 (62 years) when we were both engineers at Firestone Plastics Company in Pottstown, PA. He was a valued friend and colleague. He was responsible for introducing me to his first wife’s sister and then became my brother-in-law. Our families growing up together were very close. Bob was a very good shortstop on the softball team, a decent bowler and a savvy poker player – always personable and fun to be with. He was Chief Project Engineer for construction of a major Polyvinyl Chloride plant in Perryville, MD for Firestone and then later for a larger PVC plant in Plaquemine, LA. Throughout, he was liked and respected by everybody who knew him. Rest in peace, Bob.
John Singer
Bob Jr. and family, my deepest sympathies on your loss. Bob clearly left a great legacy and his warm smile will be missed.
Deb and Dave Coppa
Dear Ar, and your and Bob’s large extended family. Our heart, love, sympathy, and prayers are being sent to you all as you go through this time of sadness in hopes of finding peace in the many years of memories. What a wonderful large family Bob enjoyed. So much love. He will be missed. Bob is walking with his Lord.
Stephan Strengari
Arlene and Family,
My deepest condolences , Bob was a wonderful man, he had a great sense of humor. He was a extremely hard worker and very easy to have a conversation with, I know he will be deeply missed. I know that Bob is in heaven and looking down on us, May God Bless you all.
Steve and Donna Strengari
Ann Marie Sheperis
I just finished the video memorial and it was amazing! What a beautiful life Bob had! There is so much love in those pictures. Not only his family but his friends, his parish and community will deeply feel our loss.
Madalyn Schultz Petit
Dear Arlene and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Bob was a good man. Everyone who knew him was blessed by his presence. Sincerely, Madalyn
The Conleys
Bob was a special man A terrific father husband friend and in law. He was lived by many and will be missed by those who knew him. He is in heaven watching over all of us And I do expect to see some clouds duct taped together hugs and love
Bob & Brenda Manning
Our deepest regrets on Bob’s passing.
Melanie Williamson
Thinking of you and your family Noreen..
Linda Vietri Finney
Dear Arleen & family—Our heartfelt & sincere condolences on Bob’s passing.Remembering him with fond memories will keep him close to your heart always & we hope you will take comfort knowing that he will be kept in our prayers. With sympathy,Love & prayers Linda & Rick Finney
Michael J Conner
Bob, So sorry hearing about your fathers passing. I feel like I know him with all the stories you used to share with me at old CSC.
Be at peace he is in heaven today smiling down on you and the family. As I was told by the priest, death is not the end but the beginning of memories of your father.
Praying for your family during this difficult time.
Bob and Donna Turner
Arlene and Family,
Our condolences to the family during their suffering at the loss of Bob. We have fond memories of Bob as a quiet and caring man who was such a hard worker. We can still remember Bob down the steps at the pump house at Maple Valley as he tenderly tended to the finicky pool pump. Without Bob there are many times the pool would have been unavailable to the rest of the members. We appreciate all he did in support of his community. May God bless him and his family.
Bob and Donna Turner
Rob Abel, MD
Dear Family,
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your dear Bob who was someone who touched the hearts and lives of so many people. It was a privilege to be in his company and I hope that the many wonderful memories will comfort you all at this time of loss. Please know that countless others are sharing in your grief.
With sincere sympathy,
Rob Abel, MD
Roman Zaharchuk
I worked with Bob for many years at Firestone Plastics. He was a nice guy and I liked him. He was also a good softball player.
Earle and Julia Francis Miller
Our deepest sympathy to Arleen and the family. We are so sorry for your loss and hope that fond memories created with Bob – many seen in the lovely memorial video – will bring you strength and solace.
Barbara Kacmarcik
Dear Kerrigan Family,
My deepest condolences
Barbara Kacmarcik
Philip & Sharon DeFranco
Our sincerest condolences to your family. May he Rest In Peace.
Gini Thomas
Arleen and family. My heart is sorrowful for you in this time of grief and rejoicing with you that we do not sorrow as those who sorrow without hope. May our compassionate Lord give you comfort, peace and strength. With care and love, Gini T.