Kerry Kirschner, former Sarasota Mayor and long-time executive director of The Argus Foundation died Wednesday at 73.

Kelly Kirschner, Kerry’s son and another former Sarasota mayor, remembered his father’s commitment to his family and his community.

“We’re all incredibly grateful he gave us a magical childhood and decided to return to the Sarasota-Manatee area,” Kelly Kirschner said.

The elder Kirschner was born in Bradenton but moved to New York and worked at Revlon for a number of years. He returned to Sarasota in 1976, believing the community the best place to raise a family. He went into business initially running a fruit stand, but became active politically, serving two terms on the Sarasota City Commission and two years as mayor.

Kerry Kirschner is survived by his wife LuAnn and four children Sean, Kent, Kelly and Katie Haas.

A service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Martha Catholic Church in Downtown Sarasota.