William Charles McKernan Jr.

Bill McKernan was born on September 13, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA to William and Mary McKernan. He graduated from West Catholic High School, and was a standout fullback for the varsity football team. His athletic prowess ultimately got him a full-ride football scholarship to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Bill was part of Loyola Marymount’s notable 1950 football team that was elected into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1954.

Bill married the late Eileen McKernan in 1955, and they were married for 48 years. Bill served as navigator in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1960, achieving rank of Captain, and earning Combat Systems Officer (CSO) wings. Bill worked for Travelers Insurance Company for 30 years. He retired as Marketing Manager in 1990.

Bill was an avid sports fan; he was especially fond of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He liked going to ballgames, but particularly enjoyed watching his kids / grandkids play pee-wee, little league, high school and college sports. He held family outings true and dear to his heart, such as annual vacations to Gib’s Cabin in Lake Arrowhead, trips to Huntington Beach or Irvine Park, and he sincerely liked having his entire family around the dining-room table for supper. He genuinely enjoyed family holiday gatherings from playing in the annual Turkey Bowl to decorating 14-foot-tall Christmas trees to having full-blown St. Paddy’s Day shindigs. Bill had a knack for cooking too, and will be remembered for his signature burritos, hoagies, and pizza.

Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Norco on November 30, 2025 at the grand age of 93. Bill was a loving husband, father and grandpa. He is survived by his children Bill McKernan and his wife Sandie of Victorville, Moira Garcia of Corona, Tim McKernan of Jurupa Valley, Mike McKernan of Twin Peaks, Dan McKernan of Riverside, Ken McKernan of Norco, his two springer spaniels Corky and Riley, 18 grandkids, and 19 great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eileen, daughter Kathleen and son Brian.

He will certainly be missed, but the lessons he has taught, the memories and laughs he has shared, and of course his continual love for us will live on forever.