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William R. Kearney
May 28, 2022
Nanticoke
William Robert Kearney, funeral director, age 83, of Nanticoke passed away Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.
He was born in Nanticoke and was the son of the late J. Robert and Kathryn Bambrick Kearney.
He was a graduate of St. Vincent’s High School, Plymouth and the American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science, New York, NY, Class of 1966. He followed his grandfather and father into the family’s funeral business where he worked until his passing.
He was a lifelong member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Church until it’s closing where he served as a eucharistic minister and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Most recently he was a member of St. Faustina Parish. Bill was the oldest living member of the Stickney Volunteer Fire Company, serving for 58 years; the Kiwanis Club; the Knights of Columbus, 3rd Degree member of Sacred Heart Council 10676, Glen Lyon, and 4th Degree member of Bishop William J. Hafey Assembly 925, Wilkes-Barre; and retired after many years as a deputy coroner for Luzerne County.
Bill was a car enthusiast, especially Mustangs and Corvettes, and looked forward to attending many car shows with his “adopted” son Ronald. He loved attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, the former MaryAnn Nitz; his beloved vizsla, Finn; his daughters, Erin Kearney Cirillo and Heather Kearney Yudichak, and son, Ryan Kearney and his wife, Amy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah, Allison, Victoria, Anna, Evelyn, Grace, and Owen; sister, Alice Sargent; nephews, Eddie, who has assisted his uncle at the funeral home for many years, and Bobby; nieces, Amy and Megan; great nieces and nephews.
As a funeral director, Bill dedicated his life to those he served in the community. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, colleague and friend, he will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 9:30 AM from Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 173 E. Green St., Nanticoke, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Faustina Parish.
Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday from 5-8 PM. The members of the Stickney Fire Company are asked to assemble as a body on Wednesday evening at 6 PM to pay their final respects.
Guestbook Entries
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was always a true gentleman and I will miss him at the vet office. Dr. Kutish
Paul Kutish (about 1 year ago)
Mary Ann and family. I’m am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a good friend. I always enjoyed talking to him.
Debbie Zywotek (about 1 year ago)
MaryAnn, Ray and I are so sorry to hear about Bill! What a fantastic person he was. We also had great times together, whenever we came to Nanticoke. What a sense of humor he had! He was such a compassionate person, who helped so many people, including our own family. Prayers to you and your family. Fly high, Bill!
Pam and Ray Chrapowicz (about 1 year ago)
Mary Ann, Erin, Heather, Ryan and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. I will remember him as the guy who always had a smile, joke or wisecrack which made others smile. My prayers a few with you all during this difficult time.
Kevin Duncan (about 1 year ago)
To Mary Ann and family, Our sincerest condolences…May the Sun shine warmly upon his face, The Wind be at his back, and the Rain fall gently upon the fields, The Road has greeted him on his journey home…until we meet again…The Duncan Family
Patrick Duncan (about 1 year ago)
Maryann I was shocked and saddened to hear that Bill passed away. Our hearts go out to you and the family. Bill was many things to me, a mentor,employer,fellow firefighter but most important a friend. I will miss talking to him and getting his take on current events. There will never be another Bill, he was one in a million.
Thomas Wall (about 1 year ago)
He was always Billy to me. He always took the time to talk to me when I was in to visit my family. I remember him telling me what Alice Ann was up to and he always asked about my parents. I'm sorry for your loss. I wish you peace.
Rhea Margelewicz Donaldson (about 1 year ago)
MaryAnn my deepest condolences to you and your family. Bill was a great guy and will be missed. Your in my prayers.
George Lehman (about 1 year ago)
To me, Bill Kearney was a kind and generous man. He had a great sense of humor, but was very compassionate, that made him perfect to help all the families that he took care of including mine, when we lost our loved ones. Thank God for him. All my love to the family that will be missing you.
Donna Yanus (about 1 year ago)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Marilyn L. Goodman (about 1 year ago)
MaryAnn, I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I have so many fond memories of summers in your pool when visiting Grandma Dudrick. You were so good to her and I will be eternally grateful she had you as neighbors. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patti Gold Brodginski (about 1 year ago)
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. A super guy who was a lot of fun. A real gentleman. Rest in Peace.
Bob Sands (about 1 year ago)
Maryann Donna and I are truly saddened by the passing of Bill. While our jobs took us away from the area we always remember our friendship and the many great times we shared together. Bill had that unique ability to relate to all people during their grieving times and treat them as family. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Donna & Tom Kmetz (about 1 year ago)
My most sincere, heartfelt condolences to Mary Ann and family. Bill was one of my favorite people and will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.
Brian Carey (about 1 year ago)
Mary Ann and family, I am so sorry to read of Bill's passing. My prayers are for God's comfort and strength as you mourn. Bill was a fun person - he always had something to say that would bring a smile to my face. I will miss seeing him at Norm's Pizza.
Mary Jane Uhing (about 1 year ago)
Prayers for Bill and his family. He was a good man.
Vic Kopko (about 1 year ago)
I wasn't sure what to expect when my dad sent me down to work funerals with you about 28 years ago. I'm so glad he did and I hope you knew what a privilege it was. You did teach me many things, and I will forever be grateful. You are family, I love you and you will be missed.
Mary Ruth (about 1 year ago)