John J. Kearney

John J Kearney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, passed away September 30, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family and devoted pets, Hogan and Milo. John was predeceased by his son, Glen Francis in 1959 and his beloved wife, Helen, in 1990.

John was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 18, 1933 to Genevieve Graham and James Kearney. He grew up in Chelsea and later lived in Inwood, NYC before moving to W. Haverstraw and later to Stony Point. John met the first love of his life, Helen, on March 24, 1953 at the Lame Duck. They were married on June 5, 1954. He found the second love of his life, the NYC Fire Department in June, 1959 where he was a fireman in Ladder 34/Battalion 13 for 33 wonderful years.

John attended PS 11 in Chelsea and proudly related he learned everything he needed to know while there. John was an avid reader, loved museums and had a vast knowledge of old Hollywood movies and American history, especially the Civil War.

John showed his incredible sense of humor and quick wit up until the day he passed. He will be missed and loved by all who knew him.

John was a devout parishioner of St. Peter's RC church and the Marian Shrine.

He is survived by his children Donna McCarthy (Paul), James (Suzan), Maureen Kearney-Gillespie (Thomas), Lauren - Kearney Chitty (Michael), Stephen (Lynda), and Sherree Kearney, his grandchildren John, Elizabeth, Justin, Christine, Devin, Dylan Mary, James, Helene, Sophia, Rosemarie ,Glen and his great grandchildren Jack and Michael, his sisters, Betty and Sally as well as the sisters of his beloved Helen: Kathleen, Mae, and Ann, and by his many loving nieces and nephews. John was also predeceased by his brother Thomas, sister, Ellen and also Ruth.

Family will receive his friends and family on Tuesday 2-4pm and 7-9pm and Wednesday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Michael Higgins Funeral Home, 73 N. Liberty Drive, Stony Point 10980. John's funeral Mass will be at St. Peter's Church, 115 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY 10927 on Thursday at 10am. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter's Church, the Marian Shrine, 174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY or the Hi Tor Animal Shelter, 65 Firemens Memorial Drive, Pomona, NY 10970. The family would like to thank United Hospice of Rockland for the wonderful care they provided to John and support to his family in John's final days.