Francis (Frank) Kernan, Jr. died peacefully on Friday, February 13 at his home in Boca Grande, FL surrounded by his family and dog. He also resided in Fishers Island, New York and Bedford, New York. He is survived by his wife, Katherine (Cassie) Sheffield Kernan, to whom he was married for 46 years, his son, Francis Joshua Kernan (Elizabeth), his son, Michael Kernan (Amanda), his daughter, Katherine Kernan Doerge (Chad), five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and his beloved dog Charlie.
He was born May 9,1935, in New York City, the eldest child of the late Francis Kernan and Maud Tilton Kernan. He first came to Fishers Island in the late 1940’s and was a summer resident every year since. Fishers Island is where he met his wife Cassie in 1968.
Everyone who met Frank has a story to tell. He was a man of strong faith, kindness and great humor. A dynamic man, always curious about the world, his interests and hobbies ranged from golf and gardening to beekeeping and making moonshine.
He famously swam around Fishers Island in a single day, and was a founder of the Fishers Island Club’s Harbor Open Golf (HOG) charity tournament established in 1970 that benefits the Island Health Project on Fishers Island.
He was a successful businessman who founded the insurance brokerage, Allen-Kernan-McKown, served his country for four years as a US Marine and was an active philanthropist who supported many local charities including the Island Health Project and Our Lady of Grace Church on Fishers Island.
A funeral Mass will be said on Saturday, February 21 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Boca Grande, Florida, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Island Health Project, PO Box 344, Fishers Island, NY 06390 or to Our Lady of Grace Church, PO Box 425, Fishers Island, NY 06390.
