Robert Joseph Kerwin

Robert Joseph Kerwin, 70, passed away Friday, Sept 10, 2021 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital from complications due to liver cancer and COPD. He is proceeded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie Kerwin. He is survived by his son, Robert Michael Kerwin and wife, Melissa, and granddaughter Aubree, his older sister Marie T. Kerwin of Phoenix Arizona, and his elder brother John Michael Kerwin of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Robert was the fourth of five children born to Phil and Patricia Kerwin of Shaker Heights, Ohio. The family of seven soon made a new home in Willoughby Hills, Ohio where he grew up. He attended 8 years of schooling at St. Felicitas Elementary School in Euclid, Ohio and matriculated to Willoughby South High School. Robert was a no-nonsense fellow who grew up in a family of five brothers and sisters who forged his way in life according to his own rules. He was a fervent lover of all things automotive. Robert moved to Sarasota, Florida from Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1970’s. Eventually, Robert became the proud owner of his own “Automotive Clinic” on Lime Ave. in Sarasota. He loved working on cars and making them hum like new. Robert has chosen to be cremated with his ashes interred next to his late wife Bonnie at Sarasota Memorial Cemetery where services will be limited to the immediate family. Robert was a long-time member and officer at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1319 where he spent much time with friends and cohorts. His favorite song was “Brandy”. We can still hear him singing in his robust baritone: There's a port on a western bay And it serves a hundred ships a day Lonely sailors pass the time away And talk about their homes And there's a girl in this harbor town And she works layin' whiskey down They say, Brandy, fetch another round She serves them whiskey and wine The sailors say, "Brandy, you're a fine girl" (you're a fine girl) "What a good wife you would be" (such a fine girl) "Yeah, your eyes could steal a sailor from the sea" The sailors say, "Brandy, you're a fine girl" (you're a fine girl) "What a good wife you would be" (such a fine girl) "Yeah, your eyes could steal a sailor from the sea" Rest in Peace Sailor. Raise a glass in salute to all the good times.

Tributes

Robert Joseph Kerwin

September 10, 2021