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Donald McKiernan Obituary
Don passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday and leaves behind his wife Cynthia of 31 years and his sons Ken and Joe. Don was born and raised in Louisville, Ky, the son of Ken McKiernan and the deceased Carol Jameson McKiernan. Don grew up in the Highlands with his nine siblings. He graduated from Atherton High School and attended the University of Louisville. At 22, Don set off for Florida to seek his fortune finding his treasure in Cynthia DiPietro. Cynthia always called Don 'Handsome', and referred to herself as 'LGW', for 'Luckiest Girl in the World', because she had Don. Don and Cynthia built their life together in Gainesville flipping houses, investing in rental properties, and for over 20 years owning and operating Door One, a commercial door business.
Don loved traveling the globe with his family and cheering for the Gators, especially with his Gator Peeps. They also hosted many epic Kentucky Derby parties. Don was a friend to everyone he encountered and will be remembered for his larger than life personality, but mostly for his devotion to Cynthia, Ken and Joe. He leaves behind his father Ken McKiernan, siblings, Ellen Young (Ross), Dan (Irene), Susan McCullough (Mark), John (Lisa), Mary Carmel Daugherty (Jim), Ken, Bob (Becky), Shaun (Ashley), Matt, 27 nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, Shawn Peace (Pamela) and his Door One family. We will miss you Don.
Visitation will be Friday, February 26, 2021, at Forest Meadows, 725 NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm with service immediately following. The service can be attended virtually by following the link provided in the obituary listing on Forest Meadows Funeral Home's website address: www.forestmeadowsfh.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald McKiernan
Sponsored by Gainesville.com.
Sylvia Calce
July 10, 2021
So sorry for your loss. He sounded like a wonderful husband.
Also sorry for the loss of your unforgettable mom.
Maureen McKiernan Carrier
February 26, 2021
Cynthia, Joe, and Ken that was a beautiful service for Donnie. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as I know the grief you are experiencing with the loss of Donnie. He was truly a remarkable person and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. His love for all of you will give you the strength to continue on knowing that he is still here in your heart.
Debbie Proffitt
February 26, 2021
Cynthia and family, I am so sorry for this loss. We haven't seen you in many years, but Handsome was an unforgettable person and you guys were such a great fun couple. Sending lots of thoughts prayers and virtual hugs to you and your sons and all the family
Mary Lou Namour Elward
February 26, 2021
Love to Cynthia and boys
Donna Bruens
February 26, 2021
My son has worked for Don for 17 years and he has been a great mentor. Has done alot to help him succeed. God bless his family
C Baumgardner
February 23, 2021
Sending our deepest sympathies to Cynthia, Joe, Ken, and the many that loved Don. You could not be around him for more than a minute without him making you smile. Earth wont be the same without him, Heaven has a new angel. The Baumgardners
Gin Bergeron - DiPietro
February 23, 2021
Dear Cynthia, Ken and Jo,
I feel privileged to have had the pleasure of meeting Don, he was such a generous soul and I recall great moments spent in his company with you all.
It will take some courage to go through the sadness of your loss, but I am assure Don will be watching over you from afar, standing by the heaven's door.
Karen Rhodenizer
February 23, 2021
To Cindy and everyone in Don's family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was always so warm and friendly, and you made him so happy.
Love,
Karen (Guidi) Rhodenizer
Angela Morris
February 23, 2021
Dearest Cynthia, Ken and Joe, I was Joe's three year old teacher and my daughter was his afternoon care giver at Westminster Day School ( Miss Angie and Miss Sam). Joe was one of our favorites, he had (as I'm sure he still does) such an awesome love of life and was always very adventurous. He invited myself and my daughter to one of the Kentucky Derby parties, when we arrived he ran and hid and asked his mother why his teachers were there? She told him that he invited them :) it was so much fun, he came out of hiding and had a great time. Joe was so much fun to teach, he had a such a great outlook on being three!!! I know how much Don loved his family, you could see it in his smile when he talked about any of them. I am so sorry for you loss! I know the strength your family has, and will continue to grow.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Tara MacGregor
February 23, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I didnt know Don, but I know Dan and what a great family you all are. Wishing you all peace during this most difficult time.
Michael J Mandlehr
February 22, 2021
Donnie was always a kind, honest and genuine soul that I was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with many years ago in high school. A true friend to so many people.
Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends.
Patrick McKiernan
February 22, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Cynthia, Ken and Joe we will be praying for you all. Your cousins Patrick, Mary, Shannon and Nikki McKiernan
Philip and John Haming
February 22, 2021
We are very sorry for your loss. Growing up down the street from Donnie, he was always such a positive person and from a great family. Our prayers are with you.
Mark & Joyce Kelly
February 21, 2021
We encountered the McKiernan Clan in 1991 after I retired and joined the AOH and became empowered to know J. Kenneth and Carol Jameson McKiernan's ten children who were renowned for spreading Irish cultural in the Louisville and Kentucky area. Having watched the next generations influence the world and Louisville through their careers and travels we cherish the experience and are humbled to be known as their friends. We will sing to him, "The Parting Glass" in his honor and memory. Siochain!
John Jameson Rutledge
February 21, 2021
I am sorry for the loss of a great friend a cousin and family who lived life his way. I will genuinely miss you .
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Feb
26
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Forest Meadows Funeral Home - Gainesville725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609
Feb
26
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Forest Meadows Funeral Home - Gainesville725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609
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