Obituary of John McKiernan

McKiernan John Edward, Jr., age 90, of Wyckoff, died peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2011. John was born in Palisades Park, NJ in 1921. Growing up during the depression, he volunteered for duty in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Afterward, he served in the U.S. Army 94th Infantry Division during World War II where he received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a life-time member of the 94th Infantry Association, Purple Heart Association, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, American Legion and VFW. After the war, John owned and operated McKiernan Construction Company for approximately forty years. Following retirement he extensively supported the students and athletes at Ramapo High School. He was inducted into the Ramapo High School Athletic Hall of Fame, in its inaugural year for his support as the #1 fan. John is survived by his beloved wife Frances, to whom he was married for 41 years, and his four children; Barbara Hankins of Toms River, Rosemarie McKiernan and husband Chip of Ringwood, John E., III and wife Ruth of Gulf Breeze, FL, and James and wife Vicki of Wyckoff. He is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Friends may visit the family on Monday, 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff. Funeral Service, Tuesday, 10:00 AM at the funeral home followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, would be appreciated.