Joseph R. Kiernan

Joseph R. Kiernan
Formerly of Lowell, WWII Veteran; 92

DARTMOUTH -- Joseph R. Kiernan, 92, of Dartmouth, formerly of Lowell, died Wednesday, March 25th, at Emeritus at Dartmouth Hills.

He was the beloved husband of the late Anne M. "Nancy" (Hulse) Kiernan who died March 17, 2014.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, January 4, 1923, a son of the late William R. and the late Anna G. (Doyle) Kiernan, he attended St. Patrick's Boys School and was a graduate of Lowell High School. Eager to further his education, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston.

A veteran of World War II, Joseph proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and was awarded the WW II Victory Medal and the American Theater Medal.

Before retiring, Joseph served as President and CEO at the Ohio Rubber Company in Willoughby, Ohio where he literally climbed the corporate ladder in the course of 20 years.

Previously, he was a Chemist and Chemical Engineer with Acushnet Rubber Company in New Bedford, MA. He was a past president of the Rubber Manufacturers of America.

Among his many activities, Joseph enjoyed golfing and was a handyman always doing small household projects. His favorite pastime was belting out songs from the 20's and 30's at a piano bar.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in New Bedford as well as the Wansetta Club of New Bedford and the Country Club of New Bedford. But above all else, being all about family, he loved spending quality time with his grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by three sons, William R. Kiernan of Newburyport, Joseph R. Kiernan, M.D. and his wife, Llynne of Randolph, VT, and John C. Kiernan and his wife, Brenda Nishimura, D.D.S. of Lexington; five grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew, Jacqueline, Erin, and James; two sisters, Sr. Mary of the Incarnation (Anna Kiernan) of New Mexico, and Alice G. Kiernan of Lowell; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Hulse of Somerville, MA.

He was also brother of the late John Kiernan, the late William R. Kiernan, the late Cornelius Kiernan, and the late Mary Howland.

KIERNAN -- In Dartmouth, MA, March 25, 2015, at Emeritus of Dartmouth Hills, Joseph R. Kiernan, 92, husband of the late Anne M. "Nancy" (Hulse) Kiernan. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 2 to 6 P.M. TODAY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Committal Service on Saturday morning at St. Patrick Cemetery Chapel at 10 o'clock. Please meet at the chapel. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, 1200 Lantana St., Corpus Christi, TX 78407. Arrangements by Funeral Directors, James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.