PFC W. Becket Kiernan, USMC, 18, of Falmouth, formerly of Rochester, died on Monday, February 5, 2018, of necrotizing fasciitis at Desert Regional Memorial Hospital, in Palms Springs, CA.

Born in Wareham, he was a graduate of Old Rochester Regional High School where he was an Honors and AP Student. Since he was 10 years old, Becket always dreamed of being a United States Marine. He embodied those values of honor, courage, and commitment and it led him to become a Young Marine. He dedicated seven years where his selflessness, generosity, loyalty and character saw him achieve the rank of Sergeant Major of the New England Regiment. This esteemed rank among many, made him the stepping stone where others wanted to emulate. As a leader in the Young Marines, he was three times awarded Unit Young Marine of the Year, as well as earning the Battalion Young Marine of the Year. Kiernan also received the Young Marine Achievement Award, a Marine Corps League Commendation, and a Personal Commendation Award from the National Executive Director of the Young Marines Program.

A unique, kindred soul, Becket was very funny and enjoyed playing practical jokes on his friends and family. He was always humble and kind, putting others before himself. He was an avid reader in military history and a brilliant writer at such a young age. He had an amazing smile and contagious laugh that made everyone around him better. He will be greatly missed.

Becket is survived by his mother, Lynda Kiernan and two sisters, Maegan and Mallory.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, from 2-8 p.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 16, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Masachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.