KERNS BERNARD A. BUD 82, of Cape Canaveral, FL passed to a better place on May 29. Bud was born October 4, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA to Irene Robson Kerns and John William Kerns, II. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, J.W. (at age six), and his first wife, Betty Kuhn Kerns. Bud is survived by his devoted wife, Connieann DiVincenzo-Kerns; children, John William, Kathleen Hice (Joe), Mark; stepson, Anthony Adam Mascaro (Dawn); grandchildren, Casey (Jaimie), Danna, Nathan, Emma, Jacob; sisters, Mary Christy (Jack), Barbara Francis (Fred); and many loving nieces and nephews. Bud was a lifelong musician (saxophone, clarinet, keyboard). He was a choir director at Our Lady of Joy in Plum, wrote and directed shows for the Holiday Park Players, and was the musical director for many groups in the Pittsburgh area. He traveled throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia with his German Band, Bud Kerns and the Bavarians. Bud played saxophone in many concert and dance bands in the Pittsburgh area and in Florida in the Melbourne Municipal Band and its Swing-Time Dance Band. He also sang in the choir at St. Mary of the Mount in Pittsburgh and then the choir at Divine Mercy in Florida. After high school, while serving as Master of Properties at Bill Green's Arena Theater, he had occasion to work with Judy Holiday, Joan Blondell, Kay Francis, Arthur Treacher, and other stars of that time. Later he went to New York and was schooled by jazz saxophonist, Charlie Ventura, and played with Coleman Hawkins and Gene Krupa. After serving in covert actions during the Korean War, he worked at Gulf Corporation while going to the University of Pittsburgh to earn a degree in chemistry. In 1963 he was offered a position at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Churchill and was then moved to the headquarters building in downtown Pittsburgh, eventually becoming Corporate Director of Environmental Technology. In 1990, he became an adjunct professor of Environmental Technology in the graduate school of Duquesne University. After retirement from Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Bud was hired by the US government (IESC) to work with companies in Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Egypt to bring them into compliance to trade internationally. In Pittsburgh, and later when he moved to Florida, he played with the VFW National Band based in Uniontown. In Florida, he became very active in the VFW, serving as Post Commander, District Commander, and in State positions. Beginning in 2005, and until his death, he was State Director of Disaster Preparedness and Relief, and for the past two years, was also Publicity Officer. In Florida, a Mass was celebrated at Divine Mercy Church followed by the VFW Ritual and reception at Cocoa Beach VFW 10148 on June 22. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 at St. Mary of the Mount Church on June 29, followed by burial in St. Michael's Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Florida VFW Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen, or Americanism Teacher Programs. (Dept. of FL VFW/543 NE Sanchez Ave./Ocala, FL 34470). Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
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