Gerard Thomas Kiernan joined the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, passing away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, and in no pain. He was born in Staten Island, New York 94 years ago, the only child of Thomas and Helen Kiernan. They prayed for intercession from Saint Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers, hence his wonderful name.

He was predeceased by his selfless loving mother Helen and his compassionate and kind father Thomas, and his beautiful bride of 62 years, Marcia. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Marie Vecchio (Ralph); son Gerard Thomas Kiernan Jr; granddaughter Jayne Vecchio (Chris Rivoli), and grandson Paul Vecchio (Jen Pastorino); brother-in-law, John Kroll (Sandra).

Gerard grew up in West Brighton on Staten Island, and enjoyed 16 years of Catholic education - beginning with Our Lady of Good Counsel, then Augustinian Academy High School (1949), and finally Villanova College (1953). On Staten Island, young Gerard was quite the prolific stick ball player, often joined by his sidekick Steve Naples. He also enjoyed riding horses at Clove Lake Stables, and was excited every winter to skate on Martling Pond.

Gerard was the apple of his doting parent’s eye, and they enjoyed frequent trips to Coney Island, Manhattan, and Atlantic City. Nathan‘s hotdogs, Child’s restaurant, and shopping at Gimbel‘s - especially the famous first floor stamp department (preferring it to Macy’s) were always trip highlights, as well as the Bronx and Yankee Stadium. He learned to swim at the Downtown Athletic Club (of Heisman trophy fame), where his father was a member. The fabulous Hotel Dennis in Atlantic City was often a destination for the Kiernans, relaxing at the shore and enjoying the boardwalk. Gerard also had a tremendous love of movies, perhaps somewhat bittersweet - as his dentist office was located above the theater, occasionally he ended up with a drill in his mouth, not the latest movie filling his eyes.

Unfortunately, both his parents passed away quite young, when Gerard was in his teens. Seeing them again in heaven will bring him overwhelming joy! His faith in Jesus (formed early at home, school and church), and his extended family, helped Gerard to endure and persevere such a loss, at such a young age.

Gerard suffered respiratory issues as a youngster, much faith, many prayers and a pilgrimage train ride visit to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré sanctuary, outside of Quebec City with Aunt Mame proved miraculous. His father‘s sisters Cecilia (Fiske O’Hara) Helen, and Mame; and his mother’s sister Min(Joe U’Sellis) and Doris and Ed Rendt and family, especially daughter Judy (“Hey, where are you going - what are you writing a book”) were incredibly loving and instrumental in Gerard‘s life once his parents left this earth. They saw him off to Villanova and visited him often, ensuring he was loved and cared for.

Music was a special enjoyment for Gerard, he was thrilled when Claude Thornill himself performed Stairway to the Stars at Villanova. The Big Band era - Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra (who he once bumped into in the men’s room) inspired and brought him peace, even in the last days of his life.

During his time at Villanova, Gerard befriended sporting legends John Joe Barry, Cummin Clancy (“my esteemed friend, Jerry”), and even Paul Arizin and Jake Nevin. He loved Villanova track and field and especially basketball - 1985 was a wonderful year to be a Wildcat, as was 2016 and 2018. And perhaps best of all, 2025 with the election of Pope Leo the XIV.

Train rides from New York City through Philadelphia and on to the Main Line /Villanova, and frequent Staten Island ferry rides, provided Gerard quite the desire for more travel. The Chelsea Piers and Luxury Liner row gave him a front row view of the massive ocean liners of the day. He never forgot, sadly, as he and his father watched the SS Normandie (renamed Lafayette for troop ship duty) burn and sink in 1942 at Pier 88.

After Villanova, Gerard served his country in Korea, with the Eighth Army at the DMZ in Panmunjom - a true patriot. He made fast friends with many Army buddies, but especially Fausto Semano, and stories of their trips to Tokyo on leave were told often.

After serving his country in Korea, and a stint with the Staten Island Advance newspaper, he moved south to Atlanta, starting his career with Crane Engraving (fine stationery and US currency since 1879), where he met and married his wife, Marcia. He and his roommate Gene met Marcia and Fran at a Knights of Columbus function. Within a year, they were married, Gene and Fran, and Gerard and Marcia - at Christ the King Cathedral on September 23, 1961.

Four years later and a transfer took Gerard and his now growing family to West Chester PA. December 1966 - and one of the biggest snowstorms ever welcomed Gerard and Marcia to their new neighborhood, Greenhill Terrace. Little did they know then what wonderful lifelong friends they would make over the next 20 years. Many come to mind, but Ed and Marlene Kelly are quite special to this day. Wonderful neighborhood activities, celebrating New Year’s Eve, church functions, camping together at Warwick Woods, and a football pool named for Gerard, with the winner taking home the glamorous and valuable Kiernan trophy are very special memories. Gerard then moved into retail, as proprietor and owner of three card and gift shops.

In 1987 Gerard and Marcia decided to move south to Slidell, outside of New Orleans, were they enjoyed canal living, boating, and wonderful Eden Isles neighbors, like Roger and Lu. Retirement came and Pensacola Beach called. They enjoyed gulf side beach lifestyle living, and wonderful neighbors like Dottie and Bill, until hurricane Ivan rudely interrupted

So they moved a few miles inland to Gulf Breeze, where they decided travel was their retirement destination ("the world is a book, those that do not travel read only one page"). With over 100 cruises all over the world, they experienced many cultures, realizing how blessed they are to have so much, when so many have so little.

Gerard's faith and perseverance was incredible, he survived colon cancer (twice), as well as two strokes and epilepsy. His last few years were spent in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by love. He leaves a shared legacy of love, faith, kindness, and mercy with his fellow Augustinian and Villanova alumnus, Pope Leo XIV.

Many thanks to the team at Vitas hospice, especially Shannon; Monsignor Hunt and Father John at Saint Ann’s, and Grace, who reaffirmed Gerards strong faith, and helped guide his eternal soul home. A private memorial mass was held on Monday August 10 at Saint Ann’s, with interment to follow at Saint Peter’s Cemetery in Staten Island, New York.  May the peace that only comes from our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.  In lieu of flowers, please help a neighbor in need, or donate to your nearest food bank, or volunteer to serve those less fortunate.

“Love one another as I have loved you” John 13:34