Kevin Michael McKiernan

June 26, 1969-January 1, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin McKiernan. He bravely fought a long and hard battle with cancer for over 6 years. Kevin was a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend who’s warmth, kindness, love and devotion to equality (especially when receiving an equal number of fish sticks when sharing with his siblings).

Kevin graduated from South Kingston High School in 1987, the University of Rhode Island in 1991 and earned his master’s degree from George Washington University in 1993. He was an avid history and international affairs buff and enlisted in the Army in 1994 as military intelligence interceptor. Early in his career, he attended the Presidio in Monterey California where he met, fell in love with and married Michelle. There they started a wonderful 29 year journey together.

In 1997, he completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned into the military intelligence branch of the U.S. Army. He served his Lieutenant years in Baumholder, Germany. During this assignment, he deployed for 9 months to Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Forge/Guard.

As a Captain, he served as the Assistant S3, deploying in support of operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Kuwait. Upon changing command, he served at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany.

Upon leaving JMRC and being promoted to Major, he deployed to Qatar and was responsible for coordinating Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support for Army ground units in Iraq and Afghanistan. Later, he was selected to attend the Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island for Intermediate Level Education (ILE) and completed training as an operational planner through the year-long Maritime Advanced Warfighter Seminar (MAWS).

Kevin was also stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and served as the Senior Intelligence Analyst for East Africa. His final assignment was Princeton University Director of the Army Officer ROTC Program, where he was dedicated to preparing cadets as they began their military careers.

Among his many awards and decorations are a Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the highest honor of Father of the Year (1996-2025).

Kevin leaves behind his devoted wife, Michelle, his favorite child Rebecca (Becca), his parents, Donald and Kathryn McKiernan, his siblings, Sean (Irene), Denise, Barbara, Donald (Cara), his nephews and nieces, Bronson, Jonathan, Kelly, Caitlin, and Donald, and his mother-in-law Pam Franklin.

When not dedicating his time to serving our country, Kevin was traveling the world with his family. In another life, Kevin would have been a travel agent, as he put his meticulous organization skills to use planning amazing trips for his family. He traveled to six continents and over 40 counties with his wife and daughter. He found immense joy snorkeling, watching penguins dance, and explaining the nuances of history at the foot of European ruins. In between trips, Kevin could be found on his patio reading the latest current events or WWII battle book.

While attending many churches during his military career, Kevin was closely connected to the pastors and congregation of Central: A Christ Centered Church. He and family were extremely blessed by the love, support and encouragement throughout his entire battle. Even after moving to Florida, he still considered Central his church home.

Therefore, in lieu of flowers, Kevin’s family is asking for any donations to be sent to Central: A Christ Centered Church at 2015 Pennington Rd Ewing NJ 08618 or go to www.worshipatcentral.org to their giving platform in his honor.

Though his time with us was way too brief, the love Kevin gave will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

A celebration of his life will be held in the near future.