Brian Kernaghan

Brian Kernaghan, most recently of Clemson, previously of Mt. Pleasant and Pawleys island, SC passed away suddenly at home on May 27. He was 73 years old. Brian was born in Bronxville, NY on September 17, 1944 to Mary and Charles Kernaghan. Brian grew up in Upstate, NY and Pittsburgh, PA enjoying summers on Lake George, NY with his friends and family. He attended both St. Edmonds Academy and Williston Northampton School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball but also told many stories of stealing grapes to ferment wine in his room. Brian finished his senior year of High School in Schenectady, NY (Linton High) where he was elbowed in the face blocking out Pat Riley for a loose basketball. He was always willing to show the scar on his eyebrow to prove his brush with greatness.
Brian moved on to Siena College in Loudonville, NY where he finished in 1968. As a graduation gift, Brian received a free trip to basic training from the US Navy. He spent 4 years in the Navy as a writer and photographer but his greatest moment was meeting his future bride and love of his life Jane Huey in Maryland while stationed there. They married in 1971 in Rock Hill, SC.
After finishing up his stint for Uncle Sam, Brian moved on to Law School at the University of South Carolina where he excelled in the classroom. After graduation and still having a year of free tuition left from his GI Bill, Brian was accepted to NYU Law School where he earned his LLM in Tax.
Brian enjoyed a distinguished career in law that lasted over 40 years and included an 8 year stint as president and general counsel of Wild Dunes and Dunes West. Brian worked the last 24 years as a partner for Nexsen Pruet representing clients all over the United States.
Brian wasn't just a great lawyer, he also enjoyed photography and playing guitar at church. Brian was a very active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant, Church of the Resurrection in Surfside, SC and most recently Christ The Redeemer in Pendleton, SC.
Brian is survived by his wife Jane of 46 years, his sister Sheila Germain of Williamsburg, VA and her three daughters, Elizabeth, Cindy and Katie and their families. His son and daughter in law Charlie and Stephanie Kernaghan of Clemson, and his two favorite grandchildren, Eli and Blair.

A memorial service will be held 11am Friday in Rock Hill, SC at First Presbyterian Church, 234 E Main St, Rock Hill, SC 29730, where Jane and Brian were married 47 years ago this July 10th.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to; The Siena College Class of '68 Fund,515 Loudon Road,Loudonville, NY 12211 or St. Andrews Church, 440 Whilden St, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464 or Church of the Resurrection, 8901 US Highway 17 Bypass South, Surfside Beach, SC, 29575 or Christ the Redeemer, 839 Greenville, Street, Pendleton, SC 29670.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central is assisting the family.