Peter J. Kernan III

Peter J. Kernan III, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025.  

Peter was born on December 9, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan to Peter J. Kernan, Jr. and Ann (Schaefer) Kernan.  He graduated from Grosse Pointe University School (now University Liggett School) and was a National Merit Scholar. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame, as did his father and grandfather. 

Peter loved rock and roll and he loved to travel. He began his music career by promoting concerts while still in high school ~ Bob Seger, MC5, Ted Nugent, and Mitch Ryder. He continued promoting concerts at Notre Dame. For many years he published an entertainment newspaper, The River City Review and owned a chain of record stores, River City Records. 

He started a concert company while living  in Malibu, California, Pacific Coast Concerts. He traveled the world and worked with many musicians including Willie Nelson, Styx, The Rolling Stones, Chicago, Steely Dan, Ringo Starr, Aerosmith and more! 

Left to cherish his memories are his siblings, Mary K. (Vic) Mankowski of Okemos, Michigan, Christopher (Pam) Kernan of Sarasota, Florida, Gilbert (Kim) Kernan of Rowayton, Connecticut, and Genevieve (Frank) Lyon of Traverse City, Michigan. His aunts and cousins and his cherished nieces and nephews Peter (Caroline) Kernan, Michelle (Brandon) Newman, Gregory (Regan) Mankowski, Avery Kernan, James (Connor) Lyon, Katherine (Nathan) Lyon, and Kevin Lyon. And his great nieces and nephews Hazel and Tom Kernan and Carter, Mack, and Kennedy Newman.

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, a Visitation will be held at Noon followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. at the Kaniewski Funeral Home 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana.  Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Notre Dame Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Peter Kernan III, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556. 

Pete lived a great life and will be missed. Thank you, "Uncle Bear" for all of the postcards you sent to your family during your travels! 

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