New London, N.H. —
John was born in Dorchester, Mass., the son of the late James D. and Florence O. (Bailey) Kiernan. He has been a resident of New London since 1952. John was a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., and the N.H. School of Banking at the University of New Hampshire. He served in the US Navy, World War II, for three years on the destroyer-escort ship the USS Everts DE5, serving in the North American-European-African Theater. John criss-crossed the Atlantic over 25 times and earned a Bronze Engagement Star.
John was first employed by General Motors Acceptance Corp in Claremont, N.H. until 1960, when he began a lifetime career in banking with the Newport Savings Bank (the present Lake Sunapee Bank). He was named bank president and CEO in 1967, and later Chairman of the Board.
John served as President of the N.H. Association of Mutual Savings Banks, director for the National Association of Mutual Savings Banks, Director and Vice-Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Directors, Boston, Mass., Director and Chairman of the New England Mortgage Insurance Trust. Under his leadership, the Newport Savings Bank was the first mutual savings bank in the nation to convert to a Federal Charter, later converting to stock ownership and the name changed to Lake Sunapee Savings Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc (now Lake Sunapee Bank Group). Over the years, John was a pioneer for several banking initiatives that changed the climate of banking as we know it today.
John was active in community affairs and volunteered in numerous community services: a President and 62 year member of the New London Service Organization, President and 50 year member of Newport Rotary Club, Vice-President and Director of the New London Hospital Board, Past Captain and 22 year member of the New London Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the New London School Study Committee, Trustee of Trust Funds for the town of New London, Treasurer and Director of the New London/Springfield Water System Precinct, a Cub Scout Master, Director of New London Ski/Outing Club, American Legion Post #40, Barbecue and Queen Contest co-chair for New London Hospital Day, a member of the Country Squires and the New London Boys’ Club.
A man of great faith, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, John served on the Building Committee, as President of the Parish Council, as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, on the Hospitality Committee, as Lector, and the OLF Men’s Club. John and his wife, Evelyn were the first couple ever married in New London’s Catholic Church.
In 2007, John (and Evelyn) was honored as the New London Service Organization Third-of-a-Century Award recipient. He also received the William Marbury Beall Award in 2013, given annually by the Boys’ Club of New London.
John’s many interests included all sports, especially golf, skiing and tennis, and following the sports careers of his children and grandchildren. He and Evie also enjoyed traveling, gardening, and entertaining their many friends and business acquaintances. John was a 68 year member of Lake Sunapee Country Club and during college, managed the Lake Sunapee Country Club Caddy Camp. He was a founding member of the Dawn Patrol, a Sunday morning golfing group and a member of “The Derelicts,” a group of local New London and Proctor ice hockey skaters.
John will most be remembered for his love of family, sharing 65 years of love and devotion with his late wife, Evelyn (O’Brien) Kiernan, who predeceased him in 2015, and raising their three children in their beloved New London home on Everett Park. He will be forever missed as an outstanding, kind, and caring Dad, Grampy and Great-Grampy and a gentleman and friend to all.
Members of John’s family surviving include a brother, Richard D. Kiernan, of Tilton, N.H.; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth O’Brien of Hagerstown, Md., and Henricka Kiernan of Buffalo, N.Y.; son, John Kiernan, Jr. and Cathy, of New London, daughter, Peggy (Margaret) Theroux of New London and Steve, and son, Brian Kiernan, of Medway, Mass.; seven cherished grandchildren, Nate Theroux of Providence, R.I., Peter Theroux and Abbey of Albuquerque, N.M., Connor Theroux and Courtney, of New London, Jack (John III) of New London, Heidi Kiernan of Newton, Mass., Brianna Kiernan Dorey and Brandon of Wayland, Mass., Jeffrey Kiernan of Natick, Mass., Doug Jacobson of Portsmouth and Steve Jacobson of Concord, N.H.; and four newest loves, great-granddaughters, Brynn and Chloe Theroux of Albuquerque, N.M., Lillian Dorey of Wayland, Mass., and Taylor Theroux and baby brother-to-be of New London; and 18 nieces and nephews
The family will be forever humbled and grateful for the extraordinary love and care from Dr. Jack Kirk and the doctors and nursing staff at New London Hospital.
The family invites all to calling hours at Chadwick’s Funeral Home, New London, Friday, June 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A celebration of John’s life will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, New London, on Saturday, June 25, at 11 a.m. Following the Mass, please join the family for a reception downstairs in the OLF Church Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 724 Main Street, New London, NH 03257, or the New London Service Organization, PO Box 42, New London, NH 03257.