…founded New England Forensic Laboratories; 85
TEWKSBURY - Robert F. Kerber, age 85, a long time resident of Tewksbury died on June 21, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was married to Joanne (Haran) Kerber for 53 years prior to her death in 2015.
Robert was born in Leicester, MA on leap year day in 1932. He had a challenging childhood as he was raised in various foster homes before finally being adopted by the Kerber family in his early teens. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war having served in the Air Force in military intelligence. His service included assignment to the National Security Agency as a cryptologist. His assignments required he and his family to live in various places around the world including Italy, Japan, the Philippines and Texas.
Upon retiring from the Air Force after 23 years of service, he finished off a Master’s Degree at NorthEastern University. He founded Crossroads Detective Agency and soon fell in love with the emerging field of Forensic Science in the 1980’s. He founded New England Forensic Laboratories and served on the Standards Board to help define specific legal terms in regards to Forensic Science testimony in courts.
Robert was a very active citizen of Tewksbury. He was a member of the Lions club for many years as well as a Big Brother / Big Sister sponsor to help troubled youth. A voracious reader, Bob was taught how to speed read in the military. It wasn’t uncommon for him to go through multiple books per night. This passion lead him to help at the Tewksbury town library where he eventually ended up being Chairman of the Trustee’s for a few years.
Robert leaves behind three children, Patricia A. Hauser and her husband, Andrew of AZ, Daniel P. and his wife, Wendie (Everett) Kerber of Tewksbury, and Timothy D. Kerber and his wife, Kathleen (Alonzo) Kerber of Exeter, NH; nine grandchildren, Jimmy, Katie, Kevin, Danielle, Tyler, Toria, A.J., Travis, and Julia and many nieces and nephews.
At his request, funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tewksbury Lions Club Charities, P.O. Box 314, Tewksbury, MA 01876. Arrangements are through the Tewksbury Funeral Home. www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com