Richard P. Kearney
KEARNEY, Richard P., 76, EASTON, February 2, 2015. Spring interment will take place at Estes Park Cemetery, Easton. Arrangements are under the care of Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, Fort Fairfield.
EASTON – Richard P. Kearney, 76, husband of Elsie M. (Paul) Kearney, passed away Monday morning, February 2, 2015, at his Easton home following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 6, 1938, in Fort Fairfield, the son of Ralph Sr. and Edith F. (Rix) Kearney. He was a graduate of the Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1956, and was married to Elsie M. Paul on July 5, 1958.
Richard had been employed in the potato farming industry for most of his life, working for various farmers including his brother-in-law, Romey Haines Sr., Phil Grant and Vahlsing Inc. He also worked for a number of years at Paris’ Pine Products, Presque Isle. He most recently worked for Smith Farms.
Richard loved the outdoors, especially fishing in Eastport while boating on the ocean. He also enjoyed using and repairing C.B. radios. One of his greatest passions was working on the farm, and gathering food to give to those in need. Richard especially enjoyed rhubarb year round and was very fond of animals, especially his cats, Garfield, Fluffy and Missy.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Kearney was predeceased by his son, Paul R. Kearney on February 24, 2006; one brother, William O. Kearney; one sister, Lois Haines.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Elsie Kearney of Easton; three daughters, Carol Francis and her fiancé, Robert Newell, of Indian Township, Rose Trotter of Presque Isle, and Vicki Kearney and her companion, Donald Lord, of Fort Fairfield; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph G. Jr. and Mary Kearney of Sanford, and Robert J. and Janet Kearney of Florida; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Judith A. and James Alderdice of Woodstock, GA, Sara E. and Barry Davies of Conn., and Linda I. And Charles Steinhardt of Brooklyn, NY; ten grandchildren, Lisa Tompkins and her husband, Sam, of Easton, T.J. Hafford and his companion, René, of Lewiston, William Hafford, Jeremy Trotter and Alicia Nickerson, all of Easton, Angela Nickerson and her companion, Brad Drost, of Baileyville, Eyan Francis of Indian Township, James Kearney, Timothy Rooney and his companion, Jessica Sawyer-Harding, Casey Lee Smith and her husband, Les, all of Easton. He also leaves behind a special nephew who Elsie and Richard raised as their own, Ralph Toten and his wife, Wanda, of Indian Township; three special nieces and nephews, Nicholas Paul and his wife, Waupi, of Connor, Celena Greenier and her husband, Josh, of Mapleton, and William Paul of Wiscasset; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members.
The Kearney family wishes to thank Richard’s grandson, James Kearney, for his never ending care given to Richard during his illness and also to Hospice of Aroostook, especially Ruth, Cathy, Margaret and Jessie, for the wonderful care and compassion during Richard’s illness.
Friends called Friday, February 6, 2015, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a service to celebrate Richard’s life was conducted at 1 p.m. with Pastor Larry Sullivan officiating. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments was held after the service at the VFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Presque Isle St., Fort Fairfield. Spring interment will take place at Estes Park Cemetery, Easton. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Kearney to Hospice of Aroostook, 14 Access Highway, Caribou, ME 04736. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com.
