Damien Kerner
Damien Kerner died at 29 years of age. He was the youngest of five, and we all love him so. I use the present tense, because love never dies.
His passion was sports, especially golf. He excelled at sports trivia and enjoyed matching wits with family and friends.
He graduated from Campbell University with a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication. He followed college with his professional career in real estate sales. Damien brought joy and compassion to his work.
From his personal journal, he left this beautiful reflection of his faith:
I guess that human beings are like homes – always a work in progress. In some ways that is a good comparison. Older homes are often more beautiful because of their charm. They aren’t cookie cutters of one another, but rather reflections of all the people who have touched them. Constantly changing, being updated, but, if neglected too long, falling into disrepair. No matter how small or grand, if they are cared for, they are all beautiful. I guess that is the key – to never fall into disrepair. If you do, someone can save you - someone who sees the inner beauty and brings that out. God is like that. If you fall back on Him, you will never fall into disrepair.
Thank you, Damien. As Winnie the Pooh said, “I will never not remember you…ever.”
Robert Joseph Kinney
God was calling, so he had to go. We will treasure our memories of a wonderful husband and father in our hearts forever. He was a loving and caring person, always ready to help and lend a hand.
His strength, courage, confidence, and love of God were only a few of the many things he taught us. He loved to tease and joke – his sense of humor was loved by all.
We miss him terribly, God only knows. He will never be forgotten and is in our hearts always.
Lorraine, Bobby and Kathleen
Nancy Covington Kivett
Nancy Covington Kivett has given all her life. She raised two boys by herself. She did without a lot, to give to her boys.
Nancy and I were married October 9, 1982. I had three children of my own, and she spent the next twenty years giving to my children as well, and to our grandchildren.
On April 29, 2003, she gave the last gift she could give. She gave her life. And she gave the Gift of Sight.
I pray this gift will mean as much to someone as all the other giving she did in her lifetime.
Clyde Kivett, husband
Peter Kojis
Peter was a “gentle giant,” a big guy with a heart of gold and a smile that could light up a room. His laugh would infect all those around him, and he could make a stranger feel like a brother after only a few moments in his presence. He always looked out for the other guy and the underdog, and asked nothing in return for himself. Even through the most difficult year of his illness, he was more concerned with those around him, than for his own comfort and well-being. People were drawn to Peter because of his warmth, his sense of humor and his great humanity.
He was an extremely intelligent and articulate man, an avid reader (especially anything by Tom Clancy, Bernard Cornwell, or Dick Francis). He was a student of history and politics and enjoyed engaging people in ardent debates just for the sheer pleasure of conversation. Peter was a great sport enthusiast. He loved watching football and ACC hoops, and engaged anyone around him in heated discussion over why his team deserved to win. On a beautiful day, nothing made him happier than to be on the golf course with a few good buddies.
Most of all, Peter was passionate about his family and friends. He was a loving husband and a devoted brother. He adored celebrating the holidays and opened his door to all who had nowhere else to go, or any family in town to celebrate with. Peter always said “no one should be alone on Christmas.”
He loomed large in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him. He has left a void that cannot be filled. God bless you in heaven, Peter. You were truly one of a kind.
Barbara (Barb) KukielkaIt seems impossible to describe someone you love so that others know her as you do. Barbara was a person with an innocent spirit. Despite her age, she was childlike in her excitement during each holiday. She had a strong sense of family. Friend or family, you could expect Barb to be right beside you laughing, crying, sharing whatever life brought your way.
She took pride in being “Auntie” to her niece and nephew. Her sense of humor was sometimes sarcastic, but seldom absent. Her temper would ignite quickly if she felt someone she cared for was wronged.
Barbara was a generous person, giving of herself often. She touched many lives and is greatly missed.
