The Rockaway Beach Community sufered a great loss during the month of November with the loss of lifelong resident, Frederick “Otz” Kerby after 93 years. Mr. Kerby devoted 65 years of service to the Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Department and was also a founding member of the Fire Department back in the 1950’s. Over those 65 years, he became a highly decoraded member of the department and was their oldest living member.
Mr. Kerby furthered his exemplary community service as a founding member of the Rockaway Beach Improvement Association Inc, in 1955. He was responsbile for a number of community projects during his time with the Improvement Association. Community service was clearly in Otz’s blood, as it was a passion of his which never waivered.
Mr. Kerby is survived by his relatives who continue the family legacy of service within the Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Department and continue to reside in Rockaway Beach, the place Otz refered to as his “own piece of paradise.”
Nice words about Mr. Otz. He was a smiling man with a few stories of the war. He will be missed.