Donald R. Kehrli, 83, of Sweetwater passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 17, 2023. Don, as he was known to all, was born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Arnold and Edna Kehrli. After graduating from Keystone Junior College, he married his bride Marlyn. He began working as a teacher at Stratford Military Academy before proudly serving in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. After his honorable discharge, he obtained his bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University and his Master’s degree at Farleigh Dickinson University. During this time, he discovered Sweetwater and in 1967 they moved there to open and operate Greenway Academy. Don was a longtime volunteer fireman for the Sweetwater Volunteer Fire Company and was a member of the Mullica Township Republican Club. In 1981, Don began the second half of his career as an Investment Specialist for the City of Atlantic City while pursuing his favorite pastime, buying, and selling used cars. He soon turned his hobby into his decades-old business, Delsea Auto Exchange. Don loved living on the Mullica River, frequently boating and water skiing. He was often found reading his book and sitting on the dock while children and grandchildren splashed the day away in the river. He was athletic, enjoying tennis and basketball, an avid lover of animals owning horses and riding them through the Pinelands. When he was away on one of his many travels, Mar was by his side with his brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Lou Simon. But, more than anything, he loved his family (and his food)!
Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and granddaughter, Nicole. Donald is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-three years, Marlyn (nee Simon); five sons, Donald, Gary, Greg (Stacy), Todd, and Matthew (Lauren); nine grandchildren, Donny, Marlena, Alec, Renee, Mary, Sami, Aaron, Ava, and Chloe; one great-granddaughter, Bailey. He has one sister, Doris Kossman; and many nieces and nephews who are forever grateful for his generosity. A special thank you to his niece, Dani and nephew, T who were so helpful the last several weeks helping to care for their uncle.
A viewing was held on Friday, March 24, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Carnesale Funeral Home, 202 S. Third Street in Hammonton. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Burial followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 124 S. First Road in Hammonton. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Funny Farm Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, 6908 Railroad Blvd., Mays Landing, N.J. 08330.
Arrangements made by Carnesale Funeral Home