John J. Kiernan

John Joseph Kiernan also known as Jack Kiernan entered into eternal rest on May 28, 2023. He was 83 and passed peacefully at home in Nanuet, NY surrounded by his loving family. John was born in New York City on September 14, 1939 to Margaret (born as Heslin) and John Joseph Kiernan. He was the youngest of three children. He was predeceased by his eldest sister Margaret Marguleff of Bayside, NY and is survived by his sister Ellen Marnell who resides in Uncasville, CT.

Jack met his true love Mary Rose (born as Monaghan) in Brooklyn, NY at a dance at St. Catherine’s Hospital in 1957. Although he was late for their first date (because his mother made him do the dishes), she still agreed to marry him and they celebrated 60 wedding anniversaries together. Jack served two years in the Army and then worked for the New York City Police Department, retiring as a Lieutenant in the 23rd Pct., after 33 years of service. Mary worked as a nurse and together they raised five children and many pets. They created a special cabin in the Catskills Mountains that provided many years of enjoyment and was freely shared with family and friends. Jack was an active member of The 10-13 Association for retired NYPD members, he enjoyed participating in his bowling league and often golfed with his sons.

His children are John and Katrina Kiernan of Washingtonville, NY, Elizabeth and Anthony Giardina of Suffern, NY, Timothy and Diane Kiernan of River Vale, NJ, Kerry and Edward Mazzacano of Park Ridge, NJ and Christopher and Deirdre Kiernan of Blauvelt, NY.

His grandchildren are Jacqueline and Daniel Branath of Bluffton, SC, Patrick Kiernan of Houston, TX, Justine Giardina of Franklin, MA, Jeremy Giardina of Suffern, NY, Ryan Giardina of Suffern, NY Emmy Mazzacano of Park Ridge, NJ, Kristen Kiernan of River Vale, NJ, Andrew Mazzacano of Park Ridge, NJ, Katelyn Kiernan of River Vale, NJ, Jack Kiernan of Blauvelt, NY, Julia Kiernan of Blauvelt, NY and Fiona Kiernan of Blauvelt, NY. His great-granddaughter is Charlotte Branath of Bluffton, SC.

A wake will be held at Higgins Funeral Home located at 321 S. Main Street New City, NY 10956 on Thursday June 1, 2023. Visiting hours are Thursday from 3 - 7pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Church in Nanuet, NY on Friday June 2, 2023 at 10 am.