Richard M. Kernan
December 13, 1940 - October 29, 2018

Richard M. Kernan, Jr., 77 of Naples, FL and Tinton Falls passed away at his home on Monday, October 29th.

He was born in Philadelphia, PA, lived in Oak Park, IL until the age of 16, when he and his family moved to Orange, NJ. Richard attended Seton Hall Prep High School, and Seton Hall University where he earned a BS in Accounting and a MBA in Finance while participating in US Army ROTC. Richard served for 2 years of active military service in Korea and remained with the US Army as a reservist until the 1980s.

Richard’s first position as an Accountant was for Texaco Company. In 1968 he joined New York Life Insurance Company where he rose from Investment Analyst to VP in charge of the Investment Dept. to Senior Vice President, and finally to Executive Vice President of NY Life Worldwide Holding Inc. As the Executive Vice President, Richard served as Mergers & Acquisitions and Mortgage Finance Dept.; Chairman, Chief Executive and Director of the MainStay VP Series Fund Inc.; as well, Chief Investment Officer. In addition, Richard served on many boards for NY Life; Board of Directors, Executive Management Committee, MacKay Shields Financial and Express Scripts Inc.

In addition to Richard’s industrious career, he also found time to serve as Indian Guide Chief, Cub Scout Master and numerous coaching positions for his two boys. As well as, serving on the Stillman School of Business Advisory Board for Seton Hall University and as a member of Newark Renaissance House Board.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; their children Richard and his wife Suzanne, Christopher; and his grandchildren, Ryan, Bailey, Kyle and Mychal. Richard is also survived by his sisters Carol Wilsey and Ellen Powers. He is predeceased by his father, Richard, Sr., mother, Mary and sister, Bernadette.

Visitation Thursday, Nov. 1st, 4 to 8 pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 2nd, 9 am, at St. Mary’s RC Church, One Phalanx Road, Colts Neck with entombment following at Holmdel Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel. To share a favorite memory or to send a message of condolence please visit Richard’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.

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Richard M. Kernan, Jr., 77 of Naples, FL and Tinton Falls passed away at his home on Monday, October 29th. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, lived in Oak Park, IL until the age of 16, when he and his family moved to Orange, NJ. Richard attended Seton Hall Prep High School, and Seton Hall …
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Mel Feinberg left a message on November 13, 2019:
I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to Dick's family and friends. I participated in meetings with Dick during my days at NY Life. I am retired now, but I have wonderful memories of Dick's friendliness, incisive thinking and greatly appreciated efforts to make others at meetings welcomed. He was a person you always enjoyed meeting. Mel Feinberg, retired SVP at NY Life.
Michael Gallo left a message on November 6, 2019:
I worked with Dick for many years at New York Life. I found him to be not only a great businessman and leader but a true gentleman . He listened, was kind and patient. Dick , you will be missed. Condolences to your family
Peter Armenia left a message on November 1, 2019:
I had the pleasure of playing golf for several months with Richard. I enjoyed his company, wit and great stories. By the stories he told one sensed the great love he had for his family, especially Barbara, who he smiling said was his Italian wife. I was privileged to have know him. My sympathy to the entire family and friends. Peter Armenia
Adalberto Sanchez left a message on October 31, 2019:
Richard’s family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through a similar situation and I was very helped by the hope that I found in the Bible in John 5: 28, which says, "Do not amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I am sending you a link with more information on this hope. https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/awake-no3-2018-nov-dec/
Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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