Veterinarian felt compassion for pets, owners
As a Penn Hills veterinarian, Doc Kernick was recognized for his surgical skills and his ability to relate to his patients' owners.
"My father was a humanitarian who understood the bond that existed between animals and their owners," said his daughter, Cynthia Kernick of Hampton.
"Dad was upfront with anyone that brought in an animal that was ailing and needed surgery. If he thought the animal could only survive for a short period of time after surgery, he'd advise against it."
William A. "Doc" Kernick of Penn Hills, former owner of Kernick Animal Hospital in Penn Hills, died on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, in his home. He was 90.
"Dad never turned anyone away who could not afford his services," his daughter said. "On one occasion, he provided an aged widow, whose dog was her only companion, with another one knowing she couldn't afford to purchase one herself."
Mr. Kernick was the son of Penn Hills veterinarian James Henry Kernick and his wife, Elizabeth O'Leary Kernick.
Like many people who grew up during the Depression, he could not afford to attend college and worked as a machinist at Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Mr. Kernick served in the Navy aboard a destroyer escort that saw action in World War II. He was discharged in 1945 and, with the help of the GI Bill, attended Duquesne University and received his veterinary degree from the Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia.
When his wife, Phyllis Taylor Kernick, decided she wanted to change the political landscape in Penn Hills, he bought the Green Tab Newspaper in the 1960s.
"They were both dedicated to the Green Tab," said Cynthia Kernick. "At one time, they had a circulation of over 60,000.
"And when Dad decided to sell the Green Tab in the 1980s, he donated the building to the Penn Hills Service Association."
During her political career, Mrs. Kernick served as Penn Hills mayor, council member, auditor, tax collector and state representative.
In addition to his daughter, Cynthia, Mr. Kernick is survived by his children, Sally Ann Krahn of Alexandria, Va.; Thomas W. Kernick of Penn Hills; Phyllis J. Kernick and Richard O. "Rock" Kernick, both of Hampton; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Lou Zaccardi of Baltimore; and brother, Dr. Edward T. Kernick of Monroeville.
Mr. Kernick was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, in 2009; a son, William A. Kernick Jr.; and a grandson, Joshua T. Kernick.
Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the Findlay C. Wylie Funeral Home, 11311 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. A funeral service will follow.
