Neil Frederick Kerr

Neil Fredrick Kerr, of Syracuse, NY, died March 28th, 2023 at eighty. He was born March 1st, 1943 to Harry Augustus Kerr and Margurite Hunt Kerr in Elmira and grew up in Newfield, NY.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at Comfort Tyler Park, 1212-44 E Colvin St, Syracuse, NY 13210. All are welcome to celebrate his life, gathering at 3pm for sharing of memories. Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Central New York SPCA at https://cnyspca.org/donate/ or 5878 East Molloy Rd, Syracuse, NY 13211 or the NYSSWA at www.roadtosyracuse.com in his memory.

Neil was an avid athlete when he was young, breaking several Newfield High School track and field records and participating in athletics in college. He found his passion for sports early and made his way to sports writing in college. He had fond memories of his days driving a 1962 Corvette, various motorcycles, even making the news with a cross-country trip on a 23 horsepower Honda Dream motorcycle in September 1966, and his latest orange Camaro. He attended Syracuse University, making the Dean's List, and graduating in 1966 with a BA, and next earning a Master's degree. He became a sports reporter for the Syracuse Post-Standard before he left college and worked there for his entire career. He was named 1973 Scholastic Sports Writer of the year by Scholastic Wrestling news and the State Wrestling Coaches’ Association.

Neil spent many hours compiling scholastic sports rankings for the NYS Sports Writers Association newsletter. First using a manual typewriter and copying and pasting, he grudgingly accepted an electric typewriter, and finally a computer. Even bringing newsletters to be folded and stamped to holiday meals at Ma’s. He was inducted into several NYS Hall of Fames: Basketball (2005) where they said, “Kerr’s efforts had a huge impact in restarting the state basketball tournament. He is probably the most influential sportswriter for basketball in New York State.” And “In a state where it's hard to find media people who actually care about wrestling, Mr. Kerr went above and beyond to know the coaches & communities and covered the sport in the way it deserves to be presented,” NYS Wrestling Hall of Fame (2002).

He is survived by his brother Michael H. Kerr of Newfield, and nephews Andrew M. Kerr, Alexander R. Kerr, nieces, Sarah E. Kerr, and Jessica A. Kerr, and his four beloved cats, Spooky, Weasel, Tiger, and Boots. His family, neighbors, the NY sports community, and the many non-profit causes he supported will miss him. His trademark plaid hat, a sight on the sidelines for years, is finally getting retired.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY. Online condolences may be made to Neil’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.

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