Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joseph Kernan Obituary
KERNAN JOSEPH EUGENE KERNAN March 12, 1923 - June 30, 2008 On June 30, 2008, JOSEPH EUGENE KERNAN died peacefully, surrounded by his family at Sibley Hospital. Adored husband for 35 years of Barbara Desind Kernan; beloved father of Governor Joe (Maggie) Kernan, Barbara (Bob) Christin, Mary Pat (Dan) Harbison, Maureen (Blair) Einstein, Winnie (Pat) Harbison, Susan (Dennis) Woo, Jenny (Mike) Loveless, Terry (Mary Susan) Kernan, Kelly (Ed) McCarty; treasured grandfather of 23, great-grandfather of three; cherished brother of Eugene Kernan; loving uncle. Born in Chicago, he was a Naval Aviator during World War II, a teacher, coach, businessman and stockbroker. Joe came to Washington in 1965 and was instrumental in the development of the national educational poverty program Upward Bound. He joined the US Small Business Administration in 1968 for 20 years where he directed minority business and natural resources programs. His life was devoted to service to others. His passion for politics, baseball, Notre Dame, all things Irish, and people of all backgrounds are his legacies. Interment was held Thursday, July 3, at Norbeck Memorial Park, Olney, MD.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kernan
Neil and Isabel Boyd and Otter
July 28, 2008
Dear Barbara:
We've just learned of Joe's death. Very sad, but we remember fondly our time with the two of you in Barbados, Washington, and Vancouver. He had such a warm personality, good politics (of course ), wonderful tales, and a keen interest in others.
Love, Neil and Isabel
Bill Herbst
July 13, 2008
Dear Barbara & Family
I wanted to somehow express to Joe's family our deepest sorrow for the the loss of such a GREAT guy.
When Joe & Barbara would come to dine at La Hacienda we would go the extra mile to make their visit enjoyable. I did not know Joe as well as some ,however, he was always a gentleman and respected everyone,I would get the call from Barbara that they wanted to dine with us and I always felt like it was such a treat to have him and Barbara in for dinner.
So, to a MAN I respect greatly we say GOOD BYE AND MANY THANKS FOR BEING A PART OF MY LIFE.
We will be thinking of all of the Kernans
With deepest sympathy,
Bill, Mike and the La Hacienda Staff
Ocaen City
South Bend Citizens
July 7, 2008
On Behalf of the Many of us in South Bend, Indiana who have lost loved ones, please accept our sincere sympathies. May God craddle you during your time of need.
Annabelle Fong
July 6, 2008
Dear Barbara and the Kernan family,
I'm at a loss for words. The fond memories of times with you and Joe Sr. cloud my sorrow. I would leave the words of Christina Rosetti's "Remember Me" as befitting my thoughts of this grievous time. (The poem to Barbara later.)
With Love Always, Annabelle C. Fong, Honolulu, HI
The Foster Family
July 5, 2008
Mr. Kernan lived life to the fullest and made such a positive difference in the lives of generations! Heaven rejoices in his arrival, for surely his presence will make it even better! Please know that he is appreciated and loved by many, many, many people across the United States!!
The Hart Family
July 5, 2008
Dearest Family of Joseph,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all in remembering the life of Joseph. Like so many, it always sadden our hearts when someone we love so much is no longer with us. May the comfort of family, friends, and most of all, our HEAVENLY FATHER, be a source of comfort and warmth as he wraps your heart with peace and love. As Paul says of him at 2 Corinthians 1:2-5: "May you have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God. For just as the sufferings for the Christ abound in us, so the comfort we get also abounds through the Christ. Our deepest sympathy,
Margaret & Tom Wiltrout
July 4, 2008
Joe, our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with you and your family. May your dad rest in peace.
Linda Graham
July 3, 2008
Barbara and Joey (that is the only name I ever called you because your wonderful, dear Dad called you that). I was out of town and returned today and read about the passing of your husband/father. I am so very very sad. He was one of the dearest people I have ever known. For many, many years I knew I would get a call on my birthday from Joe. I think of the wonderful, joyous times we had... Dick Philbin, Mike Kinkead and Joe Kernan.. the Irish Mafia at SBA. Oh lordy there were so many laughs ... even some tears at times. But, the stories never stopped. He was so proud of his family and he loved life so... he always had a smile (that little impish smile) like he knew a secret and wanted to share it.
There will never be another like him and I will remember that dear man forever. My heart weeps.
Love, Linda
Darrel & Linda Grabner
July 3, 2008
Joe,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Basil Galipo
July 3, 2008
Mr Kernan,
I know what it is to lose a loved one. I lost my wife january 2007.
I always thought you were the best man for the Governors position.My prayers are with you.
July 3, 2008
We are praying for your family at this time. Glenn and Cindy McQueen South Bend, In
Amy & Bob Bradburn
July 3, 2008
Joe,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories comfort you.
- from your friends at Chet Waggoner Little League.
Sara Boocher
July 3, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Cathy Willett
July 3, 2008
I am so sorry for the loss of you father. You have so many wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow!
Mike Hannigan
July 3, 2008
My father worked for Joe in the 50's and always spoke so well of him. To all the family we extend our sympathy and prayers.
Mike and Bonny Hannigan
Alan Greenbaum
July 3, 2008
I never met Mr. Kernan in person, but in a way I have met him. His daughter, Barbara Christin, has been deeply-respected colleague and friend for 20 years. My office is next to Barb’s, and over the years I’ve occasionally heard snatches of warm conversations between Barb and her immediate and extended family members, filled with laughter and love. Placing those brief but meaningful conversations, as well as Barbara’s warm and intelligent personality and friendship, in the context of the Washington Post’s description of Mr. Kernan’s dedicated, caring life reveals a rich legacy of fatherly guidance and abiding love that has, through Barb, enriched me and that, undeniably, will provide Mr. Kernan's family and friends with strength and peace in his passing. And to Joe, my longtime friend, “May the road rise up to me you ….”
July 2, 2008
To the Harbison clan...we are thinking about you in your time of remembrance. The Bukowski's
Judy Jaffe
July 2, 2008
To dear friend Barbara and the rest of Joe's family: My deepest sympathy for the loss of Joe. He was a very special person, kind, thoughtful and with a great sense of humor. I will always treasure the times I spent with him and Barbara, my long-time friend. See you tomorrow for the celebration of Joe and his life. Love, Judy (Jaffe)
Edward Gingold
July 2, 2008
I express my condolence to the family at this time of their loss. I remember a Spanish poet who wrote a poem on the death of his beloved father. The poet said that although his father died, the memory of the father's good deeds in life was ample consolation to those he left behind.
Amy Heyman
July 2, 2008
Barbara: I was sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Amy Heyman
Best friends Joe and Dick
July 2, 2008
Ann Philbin
July 2, 2008
We will miss our very good friend Joey. What a fun person. We will miss his great stories. Now his great friend Dick and he can sit and laugh like they use to. Lots of love to Barbara and family. We will see you soon. Love Ann Philbin and family
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Kernan's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Kernan
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Kernan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
