Obituary of Matthew E. Kerwin

Matthew E. Kerwin, 83, of Syracuse, NY died Sunday, Feb. 11 after a brief illness. He arrived on August 3, 1940, the third of six children born to Matthew M. and Catherine (Ryan) Kerwin. He attended Most Holy Rosary school where he met his future wife, Barbara, and many of his lifelong friends. Matt was a proud graduate of the class of 1958. Following high school, he served in the United States Army and as an Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy. In 1968, he graduated from the NYS Police Academy and achieved his boyhood dream of becoming a NYS Trooper. After a colorful 20 year career with the State Police, he worked for several years as an investigator with the Onondaga County District Attorney.

Matt was a former board member of Spaulding Pray, the St. Charles Borromeo Church R.C.I.A., and volunteered for several years with St. Lucy’s Bread of Life. He remained involved with the NYS Police until his death by traveling throughout CNY to place markers on the graves of former Troopers. He was an avid traveler and golfer, enjoyed a good book, and loved interacting with people. More than anything, he loved his large, extended family and being “Pop” to his three grandchildren.

Matt is survived by his children Lisa A., Susan M., and Matthew T.; step-children Lisa (Dale) Ryder, and Eric (Kim) Bjorn; grandchildren Noah, Erin, and Allison Kerwin; sister Mary Elizabeth Byrne; brothers Richard (Peggy), Edward, and Michael (Heather); brother-in law J. Mark McCarthy; sister-in law Regina Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Barbara (Davis), second wife Linda (Bjorn), sister Margaret McCarthy, and daughter-in-law Delisa (McCarthy) Kerwin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave., Syracuse, NY. Calling hours will be held Friday, Feb. 16 at Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be private.

Matt’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Camillus for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Delisa Kerwin Memorial Fund (Delisa Kerwin Memorial Fund - Central New York Community Foundation (cnycf.org) or Arc of Onondaga (Donate - Arc Of Onondaga (arcon.org).