BERLIN, Vt. – Phillip M. Kerin, longtime resident of Barre, Vt., and most recently of South Paris where he lived with his fiancé, Darlene Ransom for the past 18 years, passed away after a very short time with brain cancer. He recently celebrated his 70th birthday with many family and friends.

Phil was born on Sept. 4, 1938, in Montpelier, Vt., the son of George and Winona (Corry) Kerin. He lived on Berlin Street with his family at the Kerin family home. He attended St. Michael’s High School, graduating in 1956. He was the youngest of the five children. His brothers and sisters were very close and are, youngest to oldest; Phil, David, Margaret, Barbara and Charles. Barbara is now residing in Windsor, Vt., and is the only surviving sibling.

He was married to Marilyn A. Kerin of Barre for 33 years, and raised his three children, Mick, Patrick and Paula, at their home on Park Street.

He went to work at Pierce’s Mobil after graduating high school for a short time. He then worked for Swift Meat Packing Co. until he purchased the Central Market in Barre that he owned and operated for many years, serving the Barre community with pride. Upon moving to Maine, he most recently worked for Capital Candy as a sales representative for the past 18 years.

He was a member of the Barre Rotary Club, and is a lifetime member of the Elks. He was also very proud of his service in the Vermont National Guard.

His life was all about family. He loved following his grandchildren around New England at the many sporting functions. He loved traveling around the country and enjoyed visiting Ireland.

He is survived by his fiancé, Darlene Ransom of South Paris; his three children, Phil II “Mickey” Kerin and wife, Debra, and their two children, Phillip III and Cady of Barre, Vt., Patrick M. Kerin and wife, Audrey, and son, Zachary of Fairlee, Vt., and Paula K. Tremblay and husband, Ron, and their two children, Brett and Bailee of Barre, Vt.; his sister, Barbara Kerin of Windsor; and aunt, Hellen Murray of Montpelier; and several nieces and nephews.