John James Kernan

John James Kernan obituary

John James Kernan

John Kernan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home Inc. on Nov. 14, 2025.

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John J. Kernan, 82, of Wadsworth, Ohio, passed away on November 12, 2025. Born on July 24, 1943, to Vincent and Dolores Kernan in Akron, Ohio, John was a graduate of St. Mary's High School. He later worked as a machinist and retired from Parker-Hanifin.
John was a lifelong member of the Wadsworth Eagles Aerie 2117, where he proudly held numerous offices over the years. He was also a member of the Wadsworth Moose Lodge 2070 and the Ohio Bottle Club. John enjoyed fishing, gardening, collecting, and attending auctions-pursuits that reflected his curiosity, craftsmanship, and love of discovery.
He is survived by his brothers, Vincent (Marlene) and Michael (Mitzi) Kernan, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Sue and Edward Arvay and Kathleen and Stephen Taylor.
Visitation will be held at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street, Wadsworth, on November 17 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 260 Broad Street, Wadsworth, on November 18 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wadsworth Eagles Scholarship Fund.
John will be deeply missed by his family and friends for the joyful life he lived and the happiness he brought to all who knew him.

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November 14, 2025

Richard Hudgins posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2025

evie kidder posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2025

Skeeter & Joyce Kish posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Richard Hudgins

November 14, 2025

John was truly a great peron. I will really miss him. He always invited me to see his collections.

evie kidder

November 14, 2025

Dear friends and family of John,

My condolences on the loss of John. I was saddened and shocked to read of his passing. For the second or third time I was at his home (museum) a few weeks ago in October. He was such a kind, generous, gentleman and will be greatly missed. I treasure my photo, even more now, of his Large Mudman Kachina and me.
Sincerely, Evie Kidder

Skeeter & Joyce Kish

November 14, 2025

For those who knew John well he was a valuable member of the Chippewa Valley Archaeological society. He always contributed presentations, shared his home for meetings, brought goodies to meetings and always had a lot to contribute. He was kind, giving, and a wonderful person. It will be hard to have a meeting without him. Attached is our last outing to the Newark Mound group that John attended with us this year. He will be missed our condolences to the family.

Steve Clark

November 14, 2025

Will always remember the short time we knew each other. God bless you my friend.
Steve Clark

Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home Inc.

November 14, 2025

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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174 North Lyman Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281

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Sign John Kernan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 14, 2025

Richard Hudgins posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2025

evie kidder posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2025

Skeeter & Joyce Kish posted to the memorial.