Newton Henry Kershaw Jr.

Newton Henry Kershaw Jr., 79, of Londonderry, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 5, 2025, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Newton was a Renaissance man — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose passions spanned literature, music, writing, and deep intellectual exploration.

Newton attended Harvard University, graduating with a degree in English Literature, and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law. He began his legal career at Devine, Millimet & Branch, P.A. in Manchester, where he specialized in ERISA law. In 1978, he founded The Legal Clinics in New Hampshire, which he ran for a decade before returning to Devine Millimet, where he spent the remainder of his distinguished career.

An accomplished attorney, Newton was repeatedly recognized as one of New Hampshire’s top lawyers in his field. Beyond his professional achievements, he gave generously of his time and expertise. He served as president of the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire, president of the board of the Moore Center, and was a board member of the Krempels Foundation, championing causes that improved lives across his community. He also played a key role in advancing motorcycle helmet safety legislation in the state.

Newton’s intellectual curiosity was boundless. A prolific writer, he filled more than thirty three-ring binders with essays, poetry, and personal reflections over the last fifty-five years. He was an avid reader with a library of several thousand books, many rare first editions. His love of music was equally deep — he curated a vinyl collection of more than a thousand records and filled his home with classical music, jazz, and original compositions. In his youth, Newton was a gifted athlete. He earned varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and tennis, and was an all-state quarterback in Arkansas and was selected as an honorable mention All-American. He attended Boys State and memorably defeated a young Bill Clinton in the race for Lieutenant Governor. He was offered scholarships to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Rice, ultimately choosing Harvard, joining the football team. He was also an Eagle Scout, embodying a lifetime of discipline and achievement.

Newton is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Arlene Kershaw; his daughter Alexis Kershaw Silvia; his son Newton Kershaw III; his beloved grandchildren Nicholas, Oriana, Anika, and Zachary Silvia, as well as Ava Kershaw and Newton Kershaw V. He is also survived by his siblings David Kershaw, Thomas Kershaw, Laura Suhm, and Vivian Barr; in-laws Larry and Joan Laibson and Dennis Laibson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claire and Newton Kershaw Sr., and his brother Robert Kershaw.

Newton will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, love of language, generosity of spirit, and deep devotion to his family. His life was marked by thoughtfulness, curiosity, and an enduring pursuit of knowledge and meaning.

Calling hours will be Sunday, September 7th, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at 47 Greenfield St., Manchester, NH and Monday, September 8, 2:00-4:00 pm at the Baldwin Independent Living, 50 Woodmont Ave, Unit D206, Londonderry, NH. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.