John Alexander Kerr

John Alexander "Duke" Kerr of Manchester, NH, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with his wife by his side.

Born in Syracuse, he was the son of the late John Alexander and Kathryn (Ryan) Kerr. John graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse in 1960 and later from the University of Buffalo, where he distinguished himself as an impressive walk-on member of the UB men's basketball team.

John began his decades-long career in business and technology after being recruited by IBM. He later help found Control Video Corporation in McLean, VA. CVC, the predecessor to AOL, developed GameLine, a dial-up service for Atari systems that allowed users to download video games over telephone lines. In 1986, John founded CompuTel Inc., a telecommunications company in Manchester, NH, where he oversaw operations, technology, sales, and investments until his retirement in 2022.

John had a passion for riding his Harley-Davidson, taking many road trips out West, eventually finding his way to the top of John Kerr Peak in the Tularosa Mountains of New Mexico. Back in New Hampshire, he could often be found enjoying time with family and friends or socializing at his favorite local spots. John was a gifted storyteller, avid Jeopardy! fan, lacrosse enthusiast, and dedicated parishioner of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish. He will be remembered in his hometown of Syracuse for his hands-on approach to resolving conflicts and in later years, for his generosity and unmistakably big heart.

John "Duke" Kerr will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

John was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Sandra (Kerr) Hudson and Brenda (Kerr) Smith; and his cherished daughter, Melanie Kerr Gabree.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonnie (Young) Kerr of Manchester; his daughters, Jennifer (David Leland) Kerr of Arlington, VA, and Sarah (Steven Petalas) Kerr of Manchester; his son, Ryan (Jonatha) Kerr of Bedford, NH; his grandchildren, Grace Bernatchez, Quinlan and Tristan Kerr, Alex and Will Gabree, and Jack, Kate, and Tommy Leland; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass celebrating John's life will be held in Syracuse, and a private memorial service is planned for Bedford, NH. Both will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.