Norton Obituary: Thomas J. Kearns Jr.

Thomas J. Kearns, Jr., age 86, of Mansfield, formerly of Norwood passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.

Born in Boston, MA on July 19, 1927, he was a loving son of the late Thomas J., Sr. and Mary Patricia (Fitzgerald) Kearns.

Tom spent his early childhood living in Quincy. His family later moved to Brookline and he was a graduate of BC High School. After serving in the United States Navy during WWII, he attended Holy Cross College and again faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War.

Prior to retiring, Mr. Kearns worked for over 40 years as a Sprinkler Fitter for Local Union #550 in Boston. He had made his home in Mansfield for the past 20 years and had formerly resided in Norwood.

Tom was a devout communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield where he attended daily Mass and also served as a collector.

Mr. Kearns loved spending time in the presence of his adoring family, especially with his grandchildren of whom he was so proud of. Upon the death of his brother- in- law Frank, he became a surrogate father to his sister Barbara’s 14 children.

Tom’s favorite hobby was sailing of which he enjoyed sailing his boat the “Jeta” on beautiful Casco Bay in Freeport, Maine. His other interests included gardening and along with his companion Fran where avid travelers. Mr. Kearns was also a member of the DAV.

He is survived by his devoted children, Annemarie E. O’Brien and her husband Bill of Wrentham, Thomas J. Kearns, III and his wife Suzy of Canton, Edward F. Kearns and his wife Emma of Utah and John J. Kearns and his wife Cindy of Lakeville. He was the loving companion of Fran Russell of Norwood and the dear brother of Barbara Mack of Maine and the late Marie K. Wells of Illinois. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Jhon-Eren Kearns, Caroline Ann Kearns, Nicole E. Kearns and Jake T. Kearns, his many loving nieces and nephews, and his best friends, “Sammy”, “Bailey” and “Woody”.

His Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 21st at 10:30 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 20th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.

Those wishing, may remember Tom with a donation in his memory made to St. Mary’s School, 330 Pratt St., Mansfield, MA 02048.

To send the Kearns family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com