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Patrick Lawrence McKiernan (PLM), 97, of Clinton serenely passed away on June 16, at home with his wife, Rose, by his side. He was born on May 4, 1924, in Bridgeport, to Michael J. and Mary L. McKiernan.

A memorial service will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, at Swan Funeral Home, 80 East Main Street, Clinton.

Patrick was married to Rose, the love of his life, for almost 71 years. They married on Nov. 18, 1950, built their house at 24 Ninety Rod Road in Clinton, and lived there until present.

After graduating from high school, he volunteered in the Army. During World War II, he served with General Patton’s 3rd Army in its push across France and into Germany. Upon discharge from the service, he earned a bachelor of arts in English from The University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport. He continued to Boston University on the G.I. Bill graduating in 1950 with his M.Ed. He taught English at a private school and then came to The Morgan School in fall 1953. Mr. McKiernan taught English and served as chair of the English Department for more than 40 years.

Passionate about teaching and a natural storyteller with a sparkling sense of humor, he in retirement lectured on various subjects such as botany, Lincoln, and happiness until his mid-’90s. Patrick was a voracious reader of philosophy, religion, English, poetry, and history; a gardener and lover of nature and animals; and a longtime member of the Henry Carter Hull Library Board of Trustees. In 2006, he published a somewhat autobiographical novel entitled Boss Canvasman. He walked six days a week with his loving wife, Rose, up until December 2019.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Rose F. McKiernan, and his three children, Patricia Ann McKiernan, Paul Adam McKiernan, and Shaleighne McKiernan. He is also survived by his brother John Michael McKiernan, 98, of St. Cloud, Minnesota and his children, James J. McKiernan (wife Donna) of Kalispell, Montana, and Joseph (wife Mary) of Rice, Minnesota, and their two children, Michael and Caralina McKiernan.

Patrick is preceded in death by his sister Mary McKiernan and his brother Thomas McKiernan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: The Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413.