1. Community leader Peter Kern’s passing at 83
2. Times News Online reports on the demise of community leader Peter Kern at 83.
**Peter Kern: A Tribute to a Community Leader**
*The Palmerton and West End communities mourn the loss of one of their greatest supporters, Peter Kern. The 83-year-old passed away peacefully at his Brodheadsville home on Wednesday morning.*
**Remembering a Remarkable Life**
Peter Kern was a man with a magnetic personality that attracted people from all walks of life. He had a deep appreciation for culture and the arts, making him a cultured and well-rounded individual. However, his most significant contribution was his unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and his desire to instill that passion in others.
**A Loving Family by His Side**
During his final moments, Peter was surrounded by his loving wife, Carol, and their daughter, Karyn Pinter. His son, Carl Kern, shared that Peter cherished every minute he could spend with his children. In fact, he even dictated the latest edition of the Scribe, a publication he worked on, to his sister. Peter wanted to leave a lasting legacy and share his wisdom with those he held dear.
**Generosity Knows No Bounds**
Peter Kern’s generosity extended not only to his family but also to the community. He and Carol were highly accomplished individuals in the fields of science and lifelong learning. They quietly supported the arts and shared their blessings with those in need. Peter’s children, Carl and Karyn, expressed their immense gratitude for the love and care they received as they were growing up. They truly felt blessed to have such remarkable parents.
**Fond Memories from Colleagues**
Marj Federanich, who succeeded Peter as a co-speaker at the House, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Despite not being a resident of Carbon County, Peter was deeply involved in the community. He had an extensive knowledge of the Zinc Company, Palmerton Hospital, and various organizations such as the Chamber and Heritage Center. Marj described him as an intelligent and engaging individual.
Rory Koons, president of the Aquashicola Fire Department, reflected on his time working with Peter at The New Jersey Zinc Co. and Palmerton Hospital. He praised Peter’s honesty, politeness, and genuine care for others. Peter’s love for Palmerton was unparalleled, and his contributions to the community will be dearly missed.
Susan Steigerwalt, who worked with Peter at the Palmerton Area Historical Society, remembered him as the kindest and most generous person she had the pleasure of knowing. His knowledge of the New Jersey Zinc Company and Palmerton was invaluable to the community. Peter’s talent for writing will be greatly missed at the Historical Society.
**A Life of Achievement**
Peter Kern’s life was filled with numerous accomplishments and contributions. He graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He later obtained a master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. Peter was a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania.
He joined the Research Department of New Jersey Zinc Company in 1965, where he worked on major projects across the globe. Peter rose to the position of senior vice president before resigning in 1988 to become the president and CEO of Palmerton Hospital. He held this position until his retirement in 2000 and continued to serve as a volunteer for the Palmerton Hospital Foundation.
In addition to his professional career, Peter was actively involved in community activities. He served as a principal of the Pleasant Valley School District and later became the president of the Pleasant Valley School District Foundation. Peter also served on the board of directors for various organizations, including the Pennsylvania Association of Health and Hospital Systems and the American Lung Association of the Lehigh Valley.
**Leaving a Lasting Legacy**
Peter Kern’s impact on the Palmerton community cannot be overstated. He served as the president of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce for nearly 30 years and played a crucial role in founding the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce. Peter was also a member of the Advisory Board of St. John Neumann Regional School and served as a mentor to the school’s chess team.
His dedication to the arts led him to join the Allentown Symphony Association, where he served as board president. Peter played a pivotal role in securing financial support for the organization, further enriching the cultural landscape of the community.
**A Fond Farewell**
Peter Kern is survived by his loving wife Carol, his sons Carl and Keith, his daughter Karyn Pinter, three grandchildren, and his brothers Patrick and Philip. He was predeceased by his brother Paul.
A memorial service will be held at Zion United Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Allentown Symphony Association or the Palmerton Area Library.
Peter Kern’s legacy will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew him. His dedication and generosity have left an indelible mark on the Palmerton community, and his memory will serve as an inspiration for generations to come..
1. Community leader Peter Kern dies at 83 – Times News Online, exclude numbers and the word
2. Community leader Peter Kern dies at – Times News Online, exclude numbers and the word.
