Obituary of William "Bill" Joseph Kearney

William “Bill” J. Kearney, of Morristown, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Chatham Hills Subacute Center. He was 86. Bill had a heart of gold and was a man of great faith who will be deeply missed by all those that loved and knew him.

Bill was predeceased by his brother, Louis Kearney. He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 63 years, Florence Kearney (nee Magliaro); his two sons, William Kearney and his wife, Cheryl of Myrtle Beach, SC & Paul Kearney and his wife, Francine of Monticello, MN; his three daughters, Kathleen Grant and her husband, James of Bethlehem, PA, Donna Goldstein and her husband, Glen of Morristown & Mary Ellen Zonin and her husband, Arthur of Whippany; one sister, Ruth Norris of OH; 8 grandchildren, David, James, Kathleen, Zachary, Gregory, Rachael, Michael & Kristen; 5 step-grandchildren, Matthew, Russell, Kaitlyn, Kristin & Ashley; two great-grandchildren, Parker & Karson; and many dear friends.

Bill was born in Newark on September 5, 1931 to the late Paul and Ruth Kearney. He was raised in Newark and was a longtime Maplewood resident before moving to Morristown 21 years ago. After graduating from Columbia High School in 1950, Bill enlisted in the US Navy and honorably served during the Korean War. After returning from the war he joined the Maplewood Fire Department where he bravely served the community for 5 years. Bill then had a 30-year career as a steamfitter with Union Local 475 at the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery in Newark. After retiring he became the owner of his own business, the True Thermal Window Co. of Morristown. He operated the business for 10 years before proudly passing it along to his son, Paul.

Bill was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and took pride in doing charitable works with them. He enjoyed marching with the Knights during the Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bill wrote screenplays, self-published a book and wrote poetry. He was a member of the American Film & Theater Association, was in many TV commercials, modeled and enjoyed singing.

Bill’s most treasured time was spent with his beloved family. He enjoyed road trips, spending time at the beach and loved wine making.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00AM on Friday, June 29, 2018 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, followed by a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Thomas More RC Church, 4 Convent Rd., Morristown. Entombment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to celebrate Bill’s life from 4:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday at the funeral home.

Charitable contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.madisonmemorialhome.com