Paul Michael Kearney

Published in The Westerly Sun on 9/2/2008

The family of Paul Michael Kearney is saddened to announce his passing in Boston, Mass., on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, at age 88.

Paul was born in Worcester, Mass., on Sept. 23, 1919, the son of Michael Dolan Kearney and Agnus Joyce Kearney.

Paul was predeceased by a brother, Robert Kearney, and a sister, Margaret Kearney Brundage.

He was an accomplished baseball player who although recruited by the College of Holy Cross, elected to pursue a professional baseball career playing for the Boston Braves organization.

Paul was a World War II veteran, having served in the European theater and participated in the Normandy Landing. After being discharged with distinction, Paul would move to Westerly, and meet his future wife of 60 years, Frances Peckham Kearney.

Paul would eventually become a partner with H.E. Thorp and Son Inc. where he assisted in developing the Quonochontaug beach community.

Paul was very active in professional and civic activities. He was a past director of the Westerly Savings and Loan, President of the Lion's Club, and a founder and past president of the Friendly Sons of St Patrick as well as the former chairman of The Catholic Charities Fund.

Paul's love for sports continued throughout his life, as an active participant in the Westerly youth baseball programs. He was also a life member of the Westerly Yacht Club in addition to being an avid fisherman and golfer.

Paul leaves his loving wife, Frances; his daughters, Judith McAndrew and husband Stephen; Jane Mara and husband James; and five grandchildren, Ainslee and Conor McAndrew, Paul, Padraic, and Kaitlin Fazio.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Church of St. Clare, corner of Crandall Ave. and St. Clare Way in Misquamicut on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m.

Burial will be in River Bend Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Educational Scholarship Fund care of Joseph Abbott, 18 Misquamicut Hills Road, Westerly, RI 02891.