Obituary for Gerald "Jerry" E. Kiernan
Gerald “Jerry” Edward Kiernan, 72 years of High Springs Florida passed away suddenly on December 3, 2018. Jerry was born East Hartford Connecticut on April 15, 1946. He graduated Howell Cheney Technical School in 1965 with a major in electronics. Jerry received Bachelor’s degrees at St. Thomas University and Biscayne College for Data Processing and Computer Science. He also attended Manchester Community College and Miami-Dade Community College.
Jerry served honorably for the United States Navy during the Vietnam War on the aircraft carrier USS Wright 1963-1969 as an Electronics Technical Nuclear Seaman E3.
Jerry was married to Vilma (Blanco) Kiernan on March 12, 2005, they were married for 13 years.
Jerry was retired but had worked as a computer programmer with numerous senior management roles for the State of Connecticut and Dade County Florida.
Jerry was very involved in his community and held important roles in many charity organizations: Director, Grace Works Outreach/Thrift Store, Camp Kulaqua Youth Camp – Volunteer, Living Springs Academy – School Administrator/Treasurer, Deacon – High Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church, President – Kiwanis of Santa Fe, Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Volunteers – Past Director, Spring Ridge Civic Association – Past President, Gilchrist County Fire Department – Volunteer Grant Writer, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Life Member, Certified FITT USA, Marathon Walking Coach, Certified Florida Highway Safety, Crossing Guard Instructor, Notary Public, State of Florida, Judge – Alachua County Science & Engineering Program (10yr). The ones that he was the most active in (and near and dear to his heart) was Living Springs Academy, Graceworks and High Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church. Jerry loved the Lord and dedicated the last 20 years serving Him. Jerry had a non-stop, selfless dedication that will leave huge shoes to be filled at those organizations.
Jerry is survived by his Wife Vilma (Blanco) Kiernan and her children Gabrial Ceballos and Elizabeth Garcia, his sister Janet (Kiernan) Nevue, daughter Kelly (Kiernan) Hemmeler and husband Clifford Hemmeler, son Matthew Kiernan and wife Rachel (Maille) Kiernan, Nephews Marc, Kevin and Jay, Nieces Michele, Denise, Susan, Marianne, Linda cherished grandchildren Veronica, Jessica, Matthew Jr., Brewster, Stephanie, Salvador, Paul, Amanda, Melanie, Ashley, Brittaney, Samuel, Emma and several great grandchildren. Jerry leaves his church family, friends & students at Living Springs Academy, friends at Graceworks and his best friends Bill McFarland and wife Lauren.
Jerry is preceded in death by parents Edward and Jessie (Muhleib) Kiernan, sister Kathleen (Kiernan) Croteau and nephew David Barnett.
Jerry will be most remembered by friends and family for his sense of humor and practical jokes. There were many miles between him and family, however that never interfered with staging a good practical joke. He was patient, methodical and passionate about every endeavor. Receiving gifts in the mail from Jerry was always a humorous and interesting time. A lot of us knew him as the “goto guy” for technology or ideas on how to better serve community. He loved football (he was a Dolphins fan and was forgiven for that). Spending time with Jerry was deep conversations, educational, spiritual and humorous. Throughout his life, he loved his dogs and his cats – which were always topics of conversations. Adopting a dog or purchasing property or taking up a new hobby included major research and discussion. When Jerry did something, he was all in. He led a full life: marathon walking, fixing and selling iPods for charity with his nephew Marc, riding his motorcycle, church ministry, gourmet cooking, traveling with his wife Vilma and so much more. To say he will be missed by many, doesn’t really give him justice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Living Springs Academy, 23901 NW 212th Ave, High Springs, FL 32643-8754 www.livingspringsacademy.com
Please join us to celebrate Jerry’s life and give him the send-off to say “I’ll see you when I see you! (in heaven)” The funeral service will be held at Browne’s Funeral Home – Enfield Connecticut. Wake is Tuesday, December 11, 2018 4:00 – 7:00pm, Funeral Wednesday, December 12, 2018 11:00am and burial to follow, with military honors in Ellington Cemetery, Ellington Connecticut.
Jerry served honorably for the United States Navy during the Vietnam War on the aircraft carrier USS Wright 1963-1969 as an Electronics Technical Nuclear Seaman E3.
Jerry was married to Vilma (Blanco) Kiernan on March 12, 2005, they were married for 13 years.
Jerry was retired but had worked as a computer programmer with numerous senior management roles for the State of Connecticut and Dade County Florida.
Jerry was very involved in his community and held important roles in many charity organizations: Director, Grace Works Outreach/Thrift Store, Camp Kulaqua Youth Camp – Volunteer, Living Springs Academy – School Administrator/Treasurer, Deacon – High Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church, President – Kiwanis of Santa Fe, Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Volunteers – Past Director, Spring Ridge Civic Association – Past President, Gilchrist County Fire Department – Volunteer Grant Writer, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Life Member, Certified FITT USA, Marathon Walking Coach, Certified Florida Highway Safety, Crossing Guard Instructor, Notary Public, State of Florida, Judge – Alachua County Science & Engineering Program (10yr). The ones that he was the most active in (and near and dear to his heart) was Living Springs Academy, Graceworks and High Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church. Jerry loved the Lord and dedicated the last 20 years serving Him. Jerry had a non-stop, selfless dedication that will leave huge shoes to be filled at those organizations.
Jerry is survived by his Wife Vilma (Blanco) Kiernan and her children Gabrial Ceballos and Elizabeth Garcia, his sister Janet (Kiernan) Nevue, daughter Kelly (Kiernan) Hemmeler and husband Clifford Hemmeler, son Matthew Kiernan and wife Rachel (Maille) Kiernan, Nephews Marc, Kevin and Jay, Nieces Michele, Denise, Susan, Marianne, Linda cherished grandchildren Veronica, Jessica, Matthew Jr., Brewster, Stephanie, Salvador, Paul, Amanda, Melanie, Ashley, Brittaney, Samuel, Emma and several great grandchildren. Jerry leaves his church family, friends & students at Living Springs Academy, friends at Graceworks and his best friends Bill McFarland and wife Lauren.
Jerry is preceded in death by parents Edward and Jessie (Muhleib) Kiernan, sister Kathleen (Kiernan) Croteau and nephew David Barnett.
Jerry will be most remembered by friends and family for his sense of humor and practical jokes. There were many miles between him and family, however that never interfered with staging a good practical joke. He was patient, methodical and passionate about every endeavor. Receiving gifts in the mail from Jerry was always a humorous and interesting time. A lot of us knew him as the “goto guy” for technology or ideas on how to better serve community. He loved football (he was a Dolphins fan and was forgiven for that). Spending time with Jerry was deep conversations, educational, spiritual and humorous. Throughout his life, he loved his dogs and his cats – which were always topics of conversations. Adopting a dog or purchasing property or taking up a new hobby included major research and discussion. When Jerry did something, he was all in. He led a full life: marathon walking, fixing and selling iPods for charity with his nephew Marc, riding his motorcycle, church ministry, gourmet cooking, traveling with his wife Vilma and so much more. To say he will be missed by many, doesn’t really give him justice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Living Springs Academy, 23901 NW 212th Ave, High Springs, FL 32643-8754 www.livingspringsacademy.com
Please join us to celebrate Jerry’s life and give him the send-off to say “I’ll see you when I see you! (in heaven)” The funeral service will be held at Browne’s Funeral Home – Enfield Connecticut. Wake is Tuesday, December 11, 2018 4:00 – 7:00pm, Funeral Wednesday, December 12, 2018 11:00am and burial to follow, with military honors in Ellington Cemetery, Ellington Connecticut.