Francis John Kearney

Francis John Kearney passed away peacefully at age 90 on January 11, 2015, surrounded by family. He was the loving son of Arthur P and Marian A Kearney, born on November 18, 1924. Francis was raised in a house with 13 siblings in the Port Norfolk-Neponset neighborhood of Dorchester. He received sacraments at St. Ann's Church in Neponset. Francis's childhood on the water developed his lifelong love of the sea. Francis was a graduate of South Boston High school, and soon after graduation enlisted in the US Navy. Francis served as a Machinist Mate aboard the Destroyer Escort, the USS Cates in the North Atlantic during World War II. Soon after the war he married Helena B. Kearney on April 21, 1946. While working as a custodian with the Boston Public School system, Francis and Helena raised their family of nine children in West Quincy. Francis and Helena were happily married for over 60 years, and were constant companions. After retirement, Francis and Helena moved to their summer cottage in Pembroke, MA where they share countless memories with their children over many summers. Francis was predeceased by Helena, who passed away suddenly on February 4, 2008. Over the past seven years, Francis enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed playing cards daily with his family. Francis is survived by his children: Francis "Skip" Kearney and his wife Linda of Conway, New Hampshire; Helena St. Clair and her husband Stephen of Pembroke; Dianne Hennigan of Braintree; Kenneth Kearney and his wife Jody of Pembroke, Colin Kearney and his wife Paula of Scituate; Leo Kearney and his wife Pamela of Pembroke; Dennis Kearney and his companion Kathleen Cummings of Pembroke, Judith Oriola and her husband James of Pembroke and Peter Kearney of Pembroke. Francis is also survived by eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, to whom he was devoted. Visiting hours in the Sullivan Funeral Homes, 2 Maquan St., corner of Rte 14 & 58, HANSON on Wednesday from 4-8PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1 Maquan St. Rte 14, Hanson, on Thursday at 10 AM. Burial at Pembroke Center Cemetery.