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Joseph Kernaghan Obituary
He was born Nov. 4, 1929, in Philadelphia, the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Cowden) Kernaghan.
He moved to Stroudsburg in 1963 to become a professor of elementary education at East Stroudsburg University, where he taught until he retired in 1991.
He was a lifelong musician and played trombone professionally from the time he was 16 years old. He played in many different bands throughout his life. He graduated from West Chester University with a degree in music. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and played in the West Point Military Academy Band. He also earned his master's degree and his doctorate in education from Temple University.
In addition to music, he enjoyed traveling the world, riding his bicycle, camping, gardening and spending time with his family. In later years, he often rode his recumbent tricycle at the Old Mine Road in Delaware Water Gap, a favorite spot of his. For many years, he regularly enjoyed a good cup of coffee at his favorite diner and coffee shop.
He was a member of St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church of Stroudsburg.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Joseph of Stroudsburg, Maureen Coyle and her husband, Dr. Richard Naravaez, of Stroudsburg, Eileen Kernaghan of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Kate Raup and her husband, Daniel, of Wallingford. He is also survived by his sister, Helen O'Donnell of Holland, Ohio, and six grandchildren.
A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church, Ninth and Main streets, Stroudsburg. The family will receive family and friends from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the memorial Mass, with the Rev. Father Carmen Perry as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to VNA Hospice of Monroe County, 502 Independence Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
&dateline;23 N. Ninth St.
Stroudsburg
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kernaghan
Michael Yasenchock
April 14, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to Mary and the Kernaghan family. We certainly have fond memories of the time we spent with Joe when he sang with us in the St. Luke's choir. May he enjoy blessed repose and eternal memory! Christ is Risen!
Michael Mrakovcich
April 12, 2010
Very sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy to the family. I still remember him playing "if you can't say something nice, shhhh!! say nothing" on the piano.
Kate Shumaker
April 12, 2010
Dear Mary,
I am in France with my daughter and read in the Pocono Record of the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May you be comforted by your family and friends.
Susan Scehellhammer
April 12, 2010
So sorry to hear of Joe Kernagahans' passing. He was a great man and friend to all. I had the opportunity of meeting him while I attended college at ESU. He will be surely missed.
Chuck Curran
April 12, 2010
Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We were colleagues at ESSU for a number of years. My prayers are for Joe and his family.
Mark Kukla
April 11, 2010
My condolences to The Kernaghan family.
Mary Napoli
April 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dr. Kernaghan was one of my professors at East Stroudsburg University. He was very inspirational and guided his students to infuse the love of music into the elementary classrooms.
family Mrakovcich
April 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Charlie Cole
April 11, 2010
So sorry to hear about Joe. We had some fun jobs together. He was always a treat to be around.
david kuschner
April 11, 2010
WE are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you in this time of sorrow.
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