Robert A Kerton

Robert “Bob” Kerton, 88, of Harvard, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2023.

Bob was born on April 15, 1935, in Lawrence, MA, the son of Vincent and Helen (O’Dea) Kerton. He joined the Marine Corps, serving in Korea, which led him to settle in Illinois after being stationed in Glenview. Bob was proud to be a Parris Island Marine instead of a Hollywood Marine. Bob returned to civilian life as owner and operator of Wadsworth Farms. Bob was quite an entrepreneur and held several businesses over the years. He opened The Sting Pub & Eatery in 1975. In 1988, Bob opened the Chemung Country Store. He retired from Schaefer Meat Packing, where he worked full time while running his businesses. He was also dubbed the unofficial mayor of Chemung. Following retirement, he spent his time at the gas station.

Bob was the life of the party and loved socializing- he was friends with people from all walks of life. He liked having his coffee and visiting at the ‘Chemung Town Hall.’ He enjoyed attending sporting events, especially trips to Green Bay to see the Packers with the guys and Milwaukee Brewers games with Ted. Bob also enjoyed traveling to New Hampshire, always visiting the ocean as well as family. Bob was an avid ice cream lover, with butter pecan being his favorite. He had a great head of hair which he attributed to Brylcreem, “A Little Dab’ll Do Ya!” Bob had a great sense of humor and was quick to call someone a rat bastard!

Bob’s most important role was being a father. He took great pride in raising his daughter, Meaghan. He took her to countless Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, and annually to see the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. They took many trips together to New Hampshire and shared many fun experiences. He was also a special grandpa and will be fondly remembered.

Bob is survived by his daughter Meaghan (David) Stott; grandchildren Isaiah, Presley, and Levi; brother Vincent (Irene) Kerton Jr.; sister Mary Anne Kerton; children Laura Kerton, Michael (Tricia Cornell) Kerton, and Ann Lass; and several other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill Kerton.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 2 until 6 PM at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, with a prayer service and military honors taking place at 4 PM, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bob’s honor to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital where he often donated.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the ICU staff at Northwestern Medicine Huntley for their compassion and care for Bob.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more info at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.