Paul B. Kern

Paul Bair Kern, 89, of New Cumberland, PA, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Born on November 8, 1935, in Lemoyne, he was the son of the late Herbert and Ethel (Speece) Kern.

Paul was raised in Lemoyne and began working young—delivering newspapers and later at Manbeck Bakery (now Stroehmann). A graduate of the former Lemoyne High School (’52), he entered an apprenticeship in structural steel drafting and began his career at Cumberland Bridge Co. He later worked for Aycock, Inc., and retired in 1999 from Stewart-Amos Equipment Co. in Harrisburg. Over the years, he contributed to the construction of numerous bridges and high schools across South Central PA. He also worked on the steel supports for the SooperDooperLooper at Hersheypark.

Shortly after his apprenticeship, Paul met Sally Pearson, a nursing student from Altoona, during a double-date arranged by his brother. They married in 1957 and built a life grounded in faith and family. Paul was a devoted husband, father, and lifelong member of Grace United Methodist Church in Lemoyne, where he was still leading bible study. He also played in the church's dart ball league. He shared God’s word whenever possible—from his uplifting business cards to his vanity license plate: HE-LUVS. Without a doubt, he was the first to greet new faces in the pews at Sunday services.

Paul made it a point to take his family on annual vacations to Cowans Gap State Park, the Poconos, or the shore. In retirement, he and Sally enjoyed traveling, especially on religious pilgrimages to Israel, Greece, and Turkey. He also enjoyed playing tennis and bodysurfing the ocean waves.

The third of seven children, Paul remained close to his siblings, all of whom remained in the area. The family’s July 4th picnics at New Cumberland’s Borough Park were a cherished tradition—one that will carry on in his memory.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sally (Pearson) Kern; grandson Adam Shickley; siblings James Kern and Carolyn Shuff; sister-in-law Shirley Kern; and brother-in-law Kenneth Shuff. Paul’s family will deeply miss his daily prayers and loving spirit. He is survived by his children: Timothy P. Kern (Nancy) of Ft. Myers, FL; Thomas J. Kern (Bonnie) of Halifax; Jonathan P. Kern (Kimberly) of Mechanicsburg; and Julie A. Biser (David) of Harrisburg; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and siblings: Herbert Kern of New Cumberland, Ethel “Betsy” Steele (Ronald) of Mechanicsburg, Marie “Wege” Fortin (Jack) of Camp Hill, and Charles Kern of Mechanicsburg; sister-in-law Betty “Tootie” Kern; and many nieces and nephews.

A public viewing will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 10AM until the funeral service at 11AM at Grace United Methodist Church, Lemoyne. Burial will follow the next day at 10AM, Thursday, May 29, at Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Avenue, Lemoyne, PA 17043.