Obituary: William P. McKiernan, 91

William P. McKiernan, 91, of Quidnesset, passed away March 16. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late John F. and Loretta (Mulvey) McKiernan. 

He is survived by several nieces and nephews and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John, Loretta, James, Lawrence, Edward, and Joseph McKiernan, and Margaret Sherman, Mary Flanagan and Rita Mathos.

Mr. McKiernan graduated from Classical High School in 1940. He received a Bachelors Degree from Providence College, and his Masters from Catholic University of America. In his youth, his interests were studying German, voice, and drama. He had a life-long passion for the theater and was very active in the drama club.

He taught philosophy at the University of Notre Dame and theology and philosophy at Conception College. He was a voracious reader and collected books from all over the world.

Mr. McKiernan was a social worker for the State of Rhode Island, advocating for children in the court system. He devoted himself to God and those less fortunate. Over the years, he volunteered for Amos House, Covenant House, and Food for the Poor, among other charities.

An avid gardener, he loved flowers, music, opera, and art. 

The funeral will take place Wednesday at 9 a.m. from Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., in East Greenwich, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Francis de Sales Church, School St., in North Kingstown. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. Calling hours will be on Tuesday 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Bill's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.

To read the full obituary and leave a condolence message, click here.