Words of Remembrance for Brother William Kemmerer, FSC
Written and Delivered by Brother Ralph Bucci, FSC
Mass of Christian Burial
Saint Mel Church, Flushing, NY
August 5, 2021
Wow! When? Why? What happened?
The shocking realization of Richard’s sudden death!
We all know he loved the Yankees and that their season isn’t the best, but what happened that Saturday night as he watched the game that caused such a reaction??
Perhaps, simply, God said to Bill, “OK, Richard, now’s the time to come home to be with me, your mom and dad, and all my saints.” And so it happened.
How does one characterize Bill’s 62 years of dedication, service, growth, and faithfulness as a Brother of the Christian Schools – and a friend of mine of 50 years – in a few minutes?
I lead a lot of relaxation meditations and lectio divina meditations during the academic year, so I’d like to follow a similar pattern with this talk. So, I ask you to close your eyes, if you are comfortable to do so, take a few deep breaths, and follow my words and create images in your mind of Richard’s life as you knew him with these thoughts.
Our brother was born, lived, and worked in: Queens, Barrytown, Narragansett, Troy, DC, Providence, Pawtucket, Oakdale, Brooklyn, Nassau County, and Lincroft.
How do you know him? As …
Richard Kemmerer Brother William James
Richard William
Brother / Brother in-law / Uncle Bill
Richard as God seeker from the time of his family
· Dedicated and Faithful Son of William and Katherine; Grandson of Elizabeth Schriber (that’s the only other grandparent I knew)
· Caretaker of His Dad, Mother, and Grandmother, when they were alive and at the hour of their deaths; and of the Whitestone Homestead
· Caring brother of Ray, and Mark and His Wife, Arlene; and Uncle to Chris and Joanne; his niece Lauren and her husband Robbie and their children Genevieve and Elizabeth
· Bright, Well-Motivated and Highly Successful high school student
· Christian Brother, De La Salle Christian Brother
· Pius Postulant and Novice, during his first year in religious life, I presume
· Studious scholastic at Catholic University
Richard as God seeker and server in Ministry
· Innovative/Patient High-School Teacher of French/religion/algebra
· Dedicated Foreign Language Department Chair
· Helpful New-Teacher Mentor
· Professional and caring Assistant Vice-Principal and Exemplary and Loyal Vice-Principal at La Salle/Providence: holding students and faculty as special people / and encouraging, no, demanding that they do and be their best
· Insightful, Challenging, Compassionate Big-Brother to Students – having the Tenderness of a Mother and the Rigor of a Father
· Fraternal Class Moderator/Advisor
· Untiring Long-time Moderator of Cross-Country, Track, Tennis, Basketball, and Baseball
· Inquisitive High School Financial Manager at St. Raphael
· Efficient and Hard-working High School Principal at St. Raphael
· Teacher and Assistant to the Commandant at La Salle, Oakdale
· Innovative Elementary School Principal
Richard as God Seeker and Minister in Community
Faithful Community Member and Community Builder
· Tireless Sub-Director
· Dedicated, Supportive, and Faithful Friend – to Me and my Family, which became His Extended Family; and to a host of Confreres, Colleagues, Former Students, Parents of Students, and Alumni
Richard as God Seeker in His Spirituality
· Desiring God’s friendship and Intimacy through many years in ministry and in an abundance of friendships with De LaSalle confreres, co-teachers, and students
· God-Questioner –
A frequent Asker of “Why” about personal challenges, professional challenges, psychological challenges, and physical challenges, especially these last many years, Why God am I like this?
His endurance of challenging transitions as faithfully as he could, to life’s circumstances, especially trying to find peace in his move to Lincroft
· Sometimes a not-so-patient a Bearer of Human Suffering: as he and I had our ups and downs, our disagreements in our enduring friendship, but especially in his increasing physical frailty
· Ultimately, his becoming a little more comfortably conscious of our Creator-God’s will in his regard these past couple of years.
Bill, despite our less-frequent contact over the last few years, your friendship inspired me, and continues to inspire me, with a sense of fidelity to grow in our religious brotherhood, in God’s intimate search for us, and in our friendship. Although I was unable to be with you for your 60th jubilee, Bill, I am privileged to be with you today on your final early trip. Know that I continue to love you still.
· St. John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
· Live Jesus in our hearts – Forever.
Please Pray for the Repose of the Soul of Brother William Kemmerer, FSC
1941 – 2021
Born Richard Paul Kemmerer in Long Island City NY on 30 September 1941
Entered the Barrytown NY Novitiate on 28 June 1958
Received the Religious Habit and Name William James on 7 September 1958
Pronounced Perpetual Vows in Barrytown NY on 27 August 1966
Died at De La Salle Hall in Lincroft NJ on 31 July 2021
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Tuesday, 3 August 2021
Viewing – 3.00pm (private)
De La Salle Hall
810 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft NJ 07738
Thursday, 5 August 2021
Viewing – 9.00am
Mass of Christian Burial – 9.30am
Church of Saint Mel
2615 154th Street
Flushing NY 11354
Interment following
Mount Saint Mary Cemetery
172-00 Booth Memorial Avenue
Flushing NY 11365
Brother William died unexpectedly on Saturday evening.
The District of Eastern North America remembers Brother William with memorial liturgies according to the tradition of the Institute. Through their prayers, communities and individuals entrust Brother William to God’s loving care.
May he rest in peace.
ASSIGNMENTS
1959–1963
Washington DC
The Catholic University of America (scholasticate)
1963–1981
Providence RI
La Salle Academy
1981–1992
Pawtucket RI
Saint Raphael Academy
1992–1993
Oakdale NY
La Salle Military Academy (resident: graduate studies)
1993–2004
Uniondale NY
Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Regional School
2004–2005
Brooklyn NY
De La Salle Brooklyn (resident: sabbatical)
2005–2006
Brooklyn NY
Saint Michael’s School
2006–2011
East Elmhurst NY
Saint Gabriel School
2011–2012
Brooklyn NY
Saint Mark School
2012–2016
Brooklyn NY
De La Salle Brooklyn (resident)
2016–2021
Lincroft NJ
De La Salle Hall (resident)
A very dedicated monk to his students. A joy to live with.He will be missed.
Wow! Just looking at the grace-full photo of Brother William is a consolation. The joy emanates. I am grateful to have lived in community with him as a fellow Scholastic in Washington DC from 1959 to 1962. Cheers to a life well-lived. Raymond Jasper Smith in Sydney; Australia.
Brother William was a titan to all the La Salle Men of the early to mid seventies. His legacy remains in the hearts and minds of all the people in touched while at La Salle Academy. Thank you Brother for being such a great influence and mentor to me.
I know that God has yet another Angel around His throne tonight.
Gratefully on Behalf of the LSA Class of 74,
Bobby Dillon.
Brother Bill who asked my brother Al “Class of 72” if I was “Notorious Bob” after I had taken the test to get in but never held it against me. He always had a great smile and was by far one the friendliest and most genuine educators I ever encountered. Rest in Peace my friend and save a place up there for the wild ones from the Class of 74. Warmest Regards, Bob Christiansen “Class of 74”
Long after scholasticate, at every meeting with him, even when I blanked on his name,he greeted me with warmth and genuine interest. A gracious, welcoming person.
Bill and I were in the same novitiate group. He was the youngest at 16,d and I the oldest at 18. Bill was a scholar of Greek and Latin at CU. I say scholar because I always admired how hard the student brothers in that department worked to get solid marks to represent us. The irony is that Bill never taught Greek or Latin. He began with French, until he discovered his real love in teaching was Math. He also discovered that he liked elementary school. He loved teaching and even recently said how much he missed it. He was the first to greet anyone who walked into a room here at De La Salle Hall, either visitor or resident, loudly and with a big grin. His sudden death was a shock to us here, but released him into God’s eternal embrace where I believe he is smiling forever.
I have fond memories of working beside Br. William at La Salle Acadamy in Providence. Bill always greeted you with a smile and a funny story often followed. He loved teaching and the kids loved him. Bill was always enthusiastic and full of life. I was surprised to learn of his death. No doubt his smile is now eternally reflected in the eyes of the God he loved and served.
May you Rest in Peace Brother William.
You were my teacher,my mentor,my Moderator and my Friend. The memories of your kindness and dedication as a Christian Brother will never be forgotten. You were always there for all students who needed guidance and understanding. You will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Paul M. Petit LSA ’69
He was our hockey moderator at LSA in 1968 and was the absolute best. Definitely will miss his memories.
I graduated in 1970 from LaSalle. Brother Bill was an most wonderful influence in my life both as a teacher and as a guiding force. He had a religion class with a handful of students. I was fortunate to be in that class. A very profound event in our Senior Year was classmate Bob Devenish and his bout with cancer. During that time, Brother Bill was there for Bob. Weeknights, three of us would go to Dish’s house for poker games. Brother Bill would join us. Great times and great memories in spite of the circumstances. For a few years in a row, Brother Bill would spend a week with me during the summer in Palm Beach County. He would fall asleep listening to his beloved Yankees on the radio. Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!
Brother William Kemmerer was once of the most influential people in my life. If it was not for him and his dedication while I was student at LaSalle Academy in Providence, I would not have become the person I am. I look back with much admiration on a man who instilled discipline and self control as things to master along the path of life. Always one step ahead of students, there was no fooling Brother William and he made sure we walked the true path.
Brother William was an incredible teacher. If not for him I never would have graduated.
Jim, How are you doing these days.
Kate and I are now full time in Sea Island, GA.
Stay Safe
John
RIP Brother. He was new at LSA in 1963 so was I. I learned so much from him.
I am saddened today because it’s your birthday. I can’t send you a card but wish you happy heavenly birthday. I met Bro. William in 1997 when my cousin attend the school he was Principal of, I later began working at that same school and he was always kind to me. Bro William was a kind and gentle man. He loved to celebrate special events and loved to dance. He also loved his work and helping anyone in need. He will be greatly missed. RIP