John wasn’t just a fraternity brother. He was a good friend with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He provided a stabilizing force in ΦΚΤ at Maryland. He always used discretion with his behaviors and I never knew of him to be involved in foolish decision making. 
I’ll always remember John for being someone that you could count on to give good advice. He was intelligent and frank about issues that you may have been concerned with. 
Rest peacefully my Brother! 
Steve Sutton- University of Maryland ‘78 & ‘85


My Uncle did the hard work that most people skirt their way out of. He took care of the difficult. He was a diligent leader for the family, before, and after my grandparents passed.  No one wants to spend all their extra time caring for those that cannot care for themselves. He did it. He did it with dry humor that released the tension he carried. He carried it effortlessly. I am sad I could not have spent more time with him. Living on opposite coasts was difficult, but we always knew Uncle John was there for us. I wish we could have given him the same comfort. 





PKT Convention, Knoxville, 1984, with Russell Sheets.  Another Wild Smile.

PKT Convention, Knoxville, 1984, with Tim Simon

I met John at Phi Kappa Tau at UMd in 1980.  John was ~ 5 years older, but continued to socialize for cards, football games, and an occasional trip to the Vous.  He was always willing to give the younger members solid advice, and you could tell he was quite serious about law school.  An excellent role model with a great sense of humor.  Over the years, I continued to seek out his advice.  My mother had Parkinson's disease, and John explained medical directives and power of attorney (helped me and my mom considerably).  I will miss John, but know that he had a positive impact on so many of us at Phi Tau and beyond.  Rich Fischer 

The "Kearnman" , always our Hopkins Ave, purveyor of wisdom in a sometimes, crazy and fun, fraternity house.   

John and Fred were there when I met my wife 35 years ago. We were in the same pledge class at Phi Tau. So many memories…Rest in peace, my friend.

My brother, John Sanford Kearns, Esquire, personally took care of every need of every Senior and every Disabled person in our family, no matter how difficult, no matter how time-consuming or emotionally and physically taxing the situation. He did this for years. At the same time he worked as an attorney full time. He was a devoted family man, a true blue friend and a Man of Distinction - just as his college Fraternity hoped to develop in their members. Who does the hard things? He who can. And he could, and did, virtually  alone.  I shall miss you always, our Gentleman Lawyer. Love, Sister

John attended UMCP and UB law school with me but more importantly, we became and remained brothers in Phi Kappa Tau.  We kept in touch going to Maryland football games (see pic) and other events.  He had a quick wit and matter-of-fact attitude.  He had a fine legal career serving people who suffered injuries and needed legal assistance - that was John.   A good man.  He will be missed.  RIP 

John, Pat Nucci and I made national TV on ESPN at the Maryland-Penn State game on October 24, 2015. Maryland was losing to Penn State 31-30 with a minute and a half left. We had the best field goal kicker in Division I, Brad Craddock. Quarterback Perry Hills just needed to go 40-45 yards to get the Terps into field gold range. He threw a 4th down deflected pass that got intercepted at the Penn State 40 yard line. Game over (again). ESPN was looking for a reaction shot and found us. (John and Pat were stunned. I was mad.)

I've  been at a loss for words to express my thoughts on John's passing.  To lose a contemporary, close friend, fraternity brother and informal legal  advisor so unexpectedly hurts.   I feel also for Janet and Andrea and John's brother and sister.  John spoke often of them -always with a smile and with pride.  

Over the years, we had countless fun times together; football and baseball games, fraternity events, dinners at Barnaby's in Wheaton - and on and on.....

John had a sharp intellect, a wry sense of humor, and a way of getting to the heart of a matter - without being pompous or egocentric.  He was a decent and caring  and I will miss him.    

I've been giving my wife some extra hugs lately.  Just felt the need to do that.  I urge all of us to embrace the people we love and care about.  

Nelson Abel

I’ve known John Kearns since 1975 and we’ve been friends ever since. Whenever John and I got together, we were going to have a good time – at ΦKT fraternity, Maryland football games, Orioles games, going to Barnaby’s… you name it. I’ve missed seeing John at football games over the last two years due to COVID and am greatly saddened that we won’t be getting together anymore. I’ve lost a great friend. My prayers and thoughts are with Janet and the family. See you later down the road, Kearnman…

From John's brothers at the Beta Omicron Chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity (University of Maryland).

John was everything that you could want for a friend and a fraternity Brother. He was loyal as a friend and supportive as a Brother. He will be missed. I pray that he rests peacefully. 

John was MY pledge master. He was and is a great friend and a true Gentleman. I will miss him dearly for he was truly, my brother. 
Geoffrey Clinton “Godzilla” Wood ‘79
Beta Omicron Chapter, U of Maryland
Phi Kappa Tau

All the way back to Jr. High is where John and I met.   More than acquaintances. but not the friends we would become.   Phi Kappa Tau brought us together again at the University of Maryland... and that launched a true brotherhood for John and I that extended from fraternal to brothers in the Lord.   A piece of me is missing here today... but I look forward to the day that I reclaim that friendship once again in heaven.   John, save me a spot.   RIP brother.  

John Sanford Kearns, Esquire, my younger brother, was my Rock, the Keystone of our Family, the greatest man I ever knew.  He adored his wife Janet, my beautiful Sister-in- law, his spirited loving daughter Andrea, his beloved Granddaughter Ariella. He is irreplaceable- now found with God, who created him to be a stalwart caretaker of many in need.  I love you, Bro’ - Janet, Andrea, Ariella. ‘Til we meet again, Sissy.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

John Sanford Kearns ESQ

28 décembre 1957 – 31 mai 2022

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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