Gerald P. Kiernan
November 5, 1945 to February 7, 2016
Gerald P. Kiernan died as a result of an illness, on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at home in Ponce Inlet, Florida with his beloved life partner, Janice L. Theriault, by his side. His circle of friends spanned the nation. His loss leaves a crater in our hearts. With a huge heart and an infectious smile, Jerry charmed and inspired all that encountered his life whether you were a friend, family member or acquaintance. Jerry was proud of his family, both personally and professionally. Jerry attended Cathedral in Hartford and was proud to be considered a “Cathedral Boy”. He graduated from Hartford High in 1963. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1968, prior to being drafted into the Army. While in the Army, Jerry completed OCS training and served as a foreign observer in Korea prior to his discharge as a First Lieutenant. After returning from the conflict, Jerry began his life long career in the insurance industry. He began his career at The Hartford Insurance Company, retiring in 1998 as Vice President of TPA Services. In 2000, Jerry and his two equal partners founded Arbor Benefit Group, his lifelong dream. Jerry was proud of his many professional accomplishments and friends he made throughout his career. Jerry was known for his quick wit, infectious smile and kind word to anyone he met. Jerry was a tremendous supporter to his colleagues and mentor to women in the insurance industry. Jerry loved his business family, that he truly considered his closest friends. In his younger years, Jerry was known as “Coach K” teaching and coaching his sons and their school mate’s soccer, basketball, football and baseball as the Midget/Little League coach for twenty plus years. This was a testament to Jerry’s love of sports and dedication to his sons. Jerry played basketball while attending the Hartford branch of UConn. Jerry was avid sports fan, especially college basketball and football. Jerry loved living in Florida and reveled in sharing his love for the beach with all his friends. Jerry is survived by his life partner, Janice L. Theriault, Simsbury, Connecticut; Son, Patrick Kiernan, his wife Erin and grandson Jamison of Marlborough, Connecticut; son, Michael Kiernan, his wife Chelsea and grandchildren, Devin and Kaitlyn of Wellesley, Massachusetts; Shelia Gatti, half-sister of Glastonbury, Connecticut and Ursala Kiernan, former wife of Glastonbury, Connecticut. Jerry was predeceased by two sons, John and Kevin Kiernan, brother, James and mother, Mary Thibodeau, Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso’s executive administrative assistant. Jerry also leaves behind a lifetime of friends.
Calling hours will be held at The Farmington Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington, Connecticut, Monday, February 15, 2016 from 4 to 8 pm.
Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of St. Patrick’s, 110 Main Street, Farmington, Connecticut on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 10:00 am. A reception will follow at the Farmington Club, Farmington, Connecticut beginning at 11:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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