Charles Edward "Charlie" Kerper

Charles Edward “Charlie” Kerper passed away on March 19, 2025, almost two years after his diagnosis of extensive small-cell lung cancer. He was at home and passed peacefully in the arms of his wife and children. He was 65 years old.

Charlie was born at Women’s Medical Center in Philadelphia on December 24, 1959, to Lawrence Paul “Pat,” Sr., and Nancy Faith Kerper (nee Spring) and was the youngest of four children.

He grew up in and around Springfield Township, Montgomery County, PA, and attended Springfield Township High School. Following high school, he worked for Henkels and McCoy in Blue Bell as a laborer and then as a foreman.

After retiring from construction work and its physical demands, he spent several years driving a school bus for Sague Bus Service in Lafayette Hill, and then almost ten years driving for Lower Merion School District. He retired from the district in 2024 with just under 10 years of service.

He grew up working on Model T Ford cars with his father and uncles, and he was a lifelong antique car enthusiast, eventually restoring Model A Ford cars. He was active in a local car club and was the club’s treasurer for many years.

Charlie could fix just about anything, and he really enjoyed having whatever specialty tool was appropriate for the job! His tool collection was top notch, and it was legendary among those who knew him.

Also legendary was his penchant for wanting to find connections or mutual acquaintances with everyone he met. He talked to our new mailman and in five minutes established that they both knew so-and-so from Wyndmoor. He never forgot a name or a face!

He treasured friendships old and new, enjoyed time spent with family, and reveled in maintaining multiple bird feeders using a variety of seeds and seed mixes. He purchased peanuts in 50-pound bags for the jays and the squirrels, and the squirrels have two feeders of their own.

He is survived by his wife Linda (Weir); daughters Morgan, Madison, and Elisabeth; sister Barbara Coleman; nephew Brock Coleman (Beth); niece Victoria Suib (Jon); and grandcat Bala. He was predeceased by brothers Lawrence Paul, Jr., and David Oscar, and by brother-in-law Joseph Coleman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 29, 2025, at the Charity Lodge #190 Masonic Hall, 465 Burnside Ave, Jeffersonville, PA 19403. A luncheon will follow at the same location. The venue is single level and completely accessible. Attire is casual/comfortable.

Per his request, those who wish to honor Charlie’s memory may donate in his name to the Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center

He was a regular donor, and a few years back he brought an injured Cooper’s hawk there for help. On the ride there, he nicknamed it “Hooper the Swooper.”

The Center has a donation page and accepts Venmo, PayPal, etc. There is a button to indicate a gift in someone’s honor. Checks (with Charlie’s name on the memo line) can be mailed to 2815 Township Line Rd, Norristown, PA, 19403.