John Edward Kern

John Edward Kern, affectionately known to all as “Skip,” passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 80 after a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 17, 1945, in Niagara Falls, New York, where his father was stationed with the FBI, Skip grew up on Tioga Street in Westmont and graduated from Westmont Hilltop. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and spent his career as a welder in the Railroad Car Shop at Bethlehem Steel, proudly calling himself a “Mill Rat.”

In 1960, Skip and his father purchased Oak Lane Farm, where he raised Polled Hereford beef cattle for decades. He could usually be found outdoors working the land, often on his beloved Farmall tractor. His many interests included building elaborate model railroad displays, attending model train shows and farm auctions, and studying history. Above all, he cherished attending his grandchildren’s sporting and artistic events as their biggest and most devoted fan. Friends and family will long remember the warm picnics at the farm pond and the hayrides he loved to host, as well as his humorous stories, remarkable memory, and quick-witted one-line quips.

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.