Bruce E. Kiernan

Bruce Edward Kiernan, 79, of Bedford, NH, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at home with his family by his side.

Bruce was born in Pawtucket, RI, to Thomas and Dorothy (Diggle) Kiernan on September 25, 1946. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Syracuse University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Rhode Island College. He married Mary Donovan on September 1, 1979. They have one daughter, Kathryn.

Bruce grew up playing tennis in the New England area, reaching #2 in New England as a junior. He became a tennis professional, which he pursued for 25 years in Massachusetts and Florida. As an avid history buff, he read constantly and when he retired from tennis, he taught history and politics in Florida and New Hampshire. He was known for his sense of humor, his love of Boston sports teams, and a deep encyclopedic knowledge of sports. He was well known at his local Dunks, where he'd visit frequently for a small black coffee.

His greatest joy was his family, including his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Donovan Kiernan of Bedford, NH; daughter Kathryn Kiernan Marble and her husband, Bryan Marble, of Exeter, NH; and two grandsons, Sean and Colin, of Exeter, NH. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Dorothy (Diggle).

SERVICES: Friends are invited to a calling hour on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 10-11am at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A graveside service will follow at 11:30am at Bedford Center Cemetery, 14 Church Rd., Bedford.