Obituaries

OBITUARY: Russell W. Kiernan, 86, World War II Veteran

Here is the obituary for Russell W. Kiernan, 86, of Salem.

Mr. Russell W. Kiernan, 86, of Salem, formerly of Beverly and Exeter, NH, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Dwyer) Kiernan, died unexpectedly January 18th, 2014 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston surrounded by his family. 

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Leonard and Josephine (Moran) Kiernan. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, he continued his education at Wentworth Institute in Boston. 

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Navy during World War II. 

With the heart and soul of an entrepreneur, Russell began his business career in the automotive industry by founding Kiernan Auto Sales of Salem. His business flourished for over twenty years on Boston Street in Salem. Russell and his brother and best friend Donald founded Marine Arts Gallery of Salem in 1971. He turned a passion for collecting marine art, his life's love, into a successful 46 year career with his brother and partner Donald, which continues today by the second generation ofKiernan art dealers through their location on Essex Street in Salem. Professionally, Russ was known for his masterful eye and collector's spirit which allowed great success over the years. 

A long time dedicated communicant and supporter of the Immaculate Conception Church in Salem, Russ was ultimately happiest working along side his family or spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife had resided in Beverly and Exeter, New Hampshire, making many friends throughout the years prior to returning to Salem. He was a true family man at heart and will be remembered for his business acumen, his dedication to his church, charity and most importantly to his family. He will be deeply missed.

Russ is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth A. Kelley and her husband Neil of Hampton, NH, Diane Makarushka and her husband Ihor of Salem, Priscilla McInnis and her husband Paul of North Hampton, NH, Nancy Hunkins of Newmarket, NH, and Susan Santin and her husband Ernest (Sandy) of Wenham, his sons, Philip R. Kiernanof Salem, Peter R. Kiernan and his wife Pamela of Topsfield, Stephen L. Kiernan of Floral City, FL, and Richard W. Kiernan of Ft. Myers, FL, his fourteen grandchildren, Christopher, Philip and Julia McInnis, Kyle, Carly and Hannah Kiernan, McKale, Trillium, Corbin and Kendell Santin and Tabitha, Russell, Stephen and NicholasKiernan, his brother Donald V. Kiernan of Wenham and several nieces and nephews. He was also the beloved father of the late Mary Ellen Kiernan and brother of the late Leonard and Arthur Kiernan.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Russ's Mass of Christian burial which will be held in the Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem, Friday, January 24th at 11 a.m. Internment will be private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O'Donnell Funeral Home 46 Washington Square, (at Salem Common) Salem. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Russ's memory to the Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Boulevard, Salem, MA. 01970 To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visitwww.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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