Francis Kiernan

ROCHELLE PARK - Sunrise 2/8/1930 - Sunset 10/8/2025
Our family is heartbroken to share the passing of a truly remarkable man, Francis (Frank) J. Kiernan, 95, of Rochelle Park, who passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Born and raised in Englewood,NJ. Frank attended Saint Cecilia High School, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn. Married for 63 years, they shared a love story for the ages which is now complete.
A longtime resident of Rochelle Park where almost 60 years ago, Frank was one of the founding members of the H & E Telephone Federal Credit Union, which continues to thrive today. He was deeply proud of the difference it made in people's lives and believed strongly in the power of community and compassion. He was a "paid in full" life member and Past Commander of the Rochelle Park American Legion Post 170.
He loved spending time with his family on Long Beach Island and looked forward to every visit. He also cherished his yearly trips to Florida with close friends, Harry and Julie, to visit Kathie, George, his brother Jim, and his nieces and nephews.
He was a loving husband, a proud dad, and a special grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandchildren described him perfectly. "He was devoted to his family. As his grandchildren grew up, moved across the country, and started their own families, he never hesitated to board a plane or take a drive to visit them. He was present at weddings, graduations, births of great-grandchildren, and other important moments in their lives. He took considerable pride in their accomplishments, making each of them feel loved and supported. Frank's grandchildren and great-grandchildren will cherish these moments and will be forever grateful for his kindness and generosity." His humor, wise advice and steady presence will be missed more than words can say. He had a lifelong passion for helping others and instilled in each of us the importance of doing the same. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity and deep devotion to his faith and the people and values he holds close to his heart.
Cherished husband to Carolyn for sixty-three amazing years. Loving father of Dr. Joseph Kiernan and his late wife, Barbara; Rosemary Harris (Wayne), Michele Gallina (Anthony), Kathleen Garrison (George), Steven Kiernan (Kim), John Kiernan (Joann), Maureen Scheffler (Peter) and Sharon Sims (William). Devoted grandfather of Jennifer (Joel), Donna (Bach), Jill (Will) Timothy (Stephanie), Stephanie, Amy, Jesse, Nicole, Justina (Connor)
Amanda (Steve) Brian (Melanie), Travis, Robert, Samantha (Sam) Tara, Matthew, (Gretchen) Tyler (Natasha), Zachary, Victoria, Dana, and Allie. Loving great-grandfather of Brooklyn, Riley, Caitlin, Alex, Madison, Dillon, Kayla, Brielle, Benjamin, Charlotte, Gianna, Anthony, Cooper, Miles, Harper, Josephine (Jo) and Maverick.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, October 12, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 South Farview Avenue, Paramus, NJ. Funeral mass will be held Monday, October 13, 2025, at Sacred Heart RC Church, 12 Terrace Avenue, Rochelle Park, NJ. Interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to CHORE, Bergen Volunteers, 50 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus, NJ, 07652