Obituary: Francis (Frank) Kernan
Francis (Frank) Kernan, Jr. died peacefully on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family and dog.
He also resided in Bedford, N.Y. and Fishers Island, N.Y.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine (Cassie) Sheffield Kernan, to whom he was married for 46 years; his son, Francis Joshua Kernan (Elizabeth); his son, Michael Kernan (Amanda); his daughter, Katherine Kernan Doerge (Chad); five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Charlie.
He was born May 9,1935, in New York City, the eldest child of the late Francis Kernan and Maud Tilton Kernan. He first came to Boca Grande in the late 1940s with his parents, and visited every year until becoming a full time winter resident in the late 1980s.
Everyone who met Frank has a story to tell. He was a man of strong faith, kindness and great humor. A dynamic man, always curious about the world, his interests and hobbies ranged from golf and gardening to beekeeping and making moonshine.
He was a successful businessman who founded the insurance brokerage, Allen-Kernan-McKown, and was an active philanthropist who supported many local charities including the Boca Grande Health Clinic and Our Lady of Mercy Parish.
A funeral Mass will be said on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Boca Grande, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation or Our Lady of Mercy Parish.
