Charles “Roger” Kiernan, a man of quiet strength and deep dedication to his family, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Bluffton, S.C., surrounded by his children. Born January 14, 1938, in Rochester, Pa., Roger was a son of Charles Adrian and Katherine Smith Kiernan. His life was marked by hard work and love for his family.
After graduating from University High School in Morgantown in 1956, Roger served proudly in the United States Army.
On Aug 14, 1963, he married Shirley Fullmer, and together they raised their three children, Sean, Tracey and Erin in Morgantown. They remained married for 54 years until Shirley passed away in May of 2017.
Roger’s career followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, working in the coal mines of West Virginia. Starting as a miner and rising to the role of mine foreman, Roger was a steadfast provider who emphasized the importance of education and hard work.
Together with his wife, Shirley, Roger prioritized his children’s future by ensuring they received a quality education at St. Francis in Morgantown, setting them on the path to success.
A lifelong sports fan, Roger loved attending his children’s sporting events when they were younger, and he found great joy in cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers and West Virginia Mountaineers. Whether watching games on television or attending his children’s sporting events, Roger’s love for sports brought him lasting happiness and treasured memories.
In his later years, Roger moved to independent living facilities, including Atria in Bethlehem, Pa., and Bloom at Belfair in Bluffton. In his final years, Roger lived in Bluffton, where he embraced his vibrant new community and formed many meaningful friendships. He spent his days playing poker and pool, enjoying coffee and engaging in lively conversations, all of which reflected his kind and sociable nature.
Roger was preceded
in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; and his sister, Corinne and her
husband, Ted.
He is survived by his sister, Kay Moody; and his three children: Sean (Petra) Kiernan of Leesburg, Va. and their children, Davis and Colin; Tracey (Michael) Saccani of Bluffton and their three children, Joseph, Michael and Maria; and Erin (Stephen) Jacobs of Dacula, Ga. and their three children, Matthew, Nicholas and Zachary.
Roger’s warmth and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He relished the time spent talking with friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Compassus Living Foundation of Bluffton, an agency that was especially helpful to the family and made Roger very comfortable.
As we bid farewell to Charles Roger Kiernan, we honor a life well-lived and a legacy of love, family, and resilience.
There will not be a memorial service at this time, but the family encourages those who knew Roger to celebrate his life and remember him by leaving comments and fond memories on his Tribute Wall on Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton at saulsfh.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Compassus Living Foundation of Bluffton.
