Obituary of John Francis Kearney

John Francis Kearney, Sr., of Palm Bay, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Mr. Kearney was born in Syracuse, NY on July 15, 1931 to William H. Kearney, Sr. and Mary Estelle Riley Kearney. He graduated from Manlius Military Academy and attended Saint Bonaventure University. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 1951. He proudly served in the Korean War and remained an active member of the Army Reserve until retiring with the rank of Major in 1971. He married Kathleen Reagan of Cortland, NY on August 7, 1954. Mr. Kearney grew up in the family tire business, serving as the head of the retread division for Kearney Goodyear in Syracuse, NY before relocating to Hollywood, FL in 1968. He worked with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Brad Ragan, Inc. for over 30 years. He specialized in off-the-road tires used in mining operations and traveled extensively in South America. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 117, the Knights of Columbus, and was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Community. Survivors include his brother, William; his children, Kathleen, John (Sun Yi), Margaret (Stephen) Thomas, Patrick (Jenene), Mary (Neal) Driscoll, Peter, and Christopher (Erika); and fifteen grandchildren. His wife, Kathleen Reagan, parents, sister, Kathleen and brother, Robert precede him in death. Visitation will be held at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 950 Malabar Road, SE, Palm Bay, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, November 10, 2014. The Rosary will be said at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 300 Malabar Road, SE, Palm Bay at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. Burial will be at Florida National Cemetery, in Bushnell, FL on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church for new vestments for the altar servers.