Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Peter Kearns Obituary
He was born June 29, 1943 in Manchester, N.H., the son of the late Kenneth "Jocko" Kearns and Mary Foley Kearns. He graduated from Bishop Bradley High School in 1961, where he held the New Hampshire state record for most points scored in a single basketball game (40), a record that stood for almost 30 years.
Peter graduated from Brown University in 1965, where he majored in English and played on the baseball team.
He graduated from Duke University Law School in 1968 and went on to practice law in New Hampshire for 40 years. He practiced in several New Hampshire law firms, including Kearns & Colliander, which he co-founded, and later as a partner at Sheehan, Phinney, Bass & Green. Peter was voted one of the top business litigation lawyers in the "Best of NH" issue of New Hampshire Magazine in September 2000.
He was a member of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Professional Conduct Committee, 1989-1998 and chairman from 1992-1998, a role and contribution to which he was very committed.
Peter was an avid sports fan who enjoyed baseball and basketball in his early years, and tennis, golf and skiing throughout his life.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 21 years, Helen B. Taft; two daughters and their families, Kristin Kearns Jordan (Kevin Jordan) of New York City and Elizabeth Kearns Malloy (Steven Malloy) of Rhode Island; and four adoring grandchildren, Leo Kearns Jordan, Anna Latimer Jordan, Sarah Meg Malloy, and Tucker Joseph Malloy.
He is also survived by his brother, David E. Kearns and wife, Christina Genest of Morris Plains, N.J.; stepdaughters, Heather Jones and Meagan Packard; and the mother of his daughters, Elease C. Latimer. His youngest daughter, with whom he shared a very special connection, Meg Latimer Kearns, died in 1999 and was greatly missed by her father.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 27, at 3 p.m. at the Portsmouth Country Club, located at 80 Country Club Lane, Greenland, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Parkinson Disease Association, (www.apdaparkinson.org), Staten Island, N.Y.) or Families First Health and Support Center, 100 Campus Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
The arrangements are being handled by Tasker Funeral home in Dover, N.H.
Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the online guest book.
@Online guest book:Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Kearns
Martin Sullivan
March 18, 2019
Having shared classes with Peter in High School, I knew he would go on to greater things in his life. I always found him to be thoughtful and controlled. His history proved me right. Martin Sullivan
Walter Barbeau Sr.
April 7, 2011
My condolences and sympathy to the family. May he be at rest with the Father in heaven.
March 31, 2011
Dear Kristin, Liz and Elease,
Caren and I want to send you and your families our deepest sympathies and warmest condolences. We were so sorry to hear of Peter's death, and I only wish I could have joined you to pay my respects at the memorial service this past Sunday. I know that words are inadequate to express the sorrow on such an occasion but I want you to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love, Rick and Caren Schubart
Robert Fisher
March 29, 2011
I am very sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Bob Fisher
Justin Corrow
March 28, 2011
Sincere condolences for your loss. Justin Corrow
Sherri Johnson
March 28, 2011
I had the sincere pleasure of working for Peter when I lived in New Hampshire. There was no finer man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Helen! He will be sorely missed.
March 28, 2011
my prayers go out to you and your family Helen Richard Weeks
Jim and Barb shuchman
March 27, 2011
Helen and Family, Our sincere condolences for your loss.
March 27, 2011
When the Monahan Family moved to Manchester, I was in the 4th grade. Peter was one of the first student's who was kind to me! We were good friends for a long time and I have wonderful memories.He was truly a "gentle man." My sincere sympathy is extended to his family.
Jean Monahan Murphy
March 26, 2011
Helen and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Peter was a great friend to me and many others. We have nothing but fond memories of him. A friend, a good golf buddy and always a gentleman. Peter, we will miss you.
Lou and June Craig
~Sarasota, Florida
Jack St. Hilaire
March 26, 2011
My condolences I knew Peter through grammer and high school. He will be remembered in my prayers.
March 26, 2011
The Kearns Family: The John Gorski Family of Olympia, Washington wish to extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. Peter and I were classmates at Bradley HS but more importantly, Peter and I played Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth League and American Legion Baseball together until my departure from NH in 1961 after graduation to California. I will especially miss Peter for the man that he was and I have sent this tragic news to many others around the United States that also new Peter. We are going to miss him at our 50th reunion this coming September and he will always be remembered by those who truly thought of him as a friend for life. I have taken it upon myself to notify Brother Brendan Foley who was the AD at Bradley when we graduated and I am sure that he also will send his condolences as soon as he is able to access the internet system in Africa. May he rest in peace and truly a great loss of a great friend to very many of us as well as all of the family members.
John and Judy Gorski ([email protected]
Chappie Thayer
March 26, 2011
Helen and family...My deepest sympathy in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.
David Routhier
March 26, 2011
Playing baseball with Peter during our senior year at Bishop Bradley was a wonderful experience for the entire team. Winning the state championship on our last day of school was truely a fond memory for me and Peter as well. I will look forward to playing catch with Peter in heaven sometime in the future.
March 26, 2011
My condolences to you all. I am saddened by your loss.
Rick Marchand
BBHS 1961
March 26, 2011
From the entire Bishop Bradley Class of '61 I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Pete's family and friends.
Rest in Peace Peter. Your old classmates remember you warmly in our hearts and will include you in our prayers.
Dick Bishop, Merrimack, NH
sam auger
March 25, 2011
My condolence to the family. Pete was a classmate at BBHS and I'll never forget the night he scored 40 points. He was truly a remarkable person. This world will certainly miss him.
Alan Reische
March 25, 2011
Joan and I extend our deepest sympathies to Helen, Kristin and Liz to their children and to Heather, Megan and Elease. Peter was a special friend and a special law partner.
John Hudzik
March 25, 2011
My condolence to the family. I was a classmate of Peter's at Bishop High and graduated with him in 1961.
Patrick Goodell
March 25, 2011
My sympathy goes out to his family. I was a classmate of Peter's and still remember him out on the basketball court.
March 25, 2011
Helen--My sincere condolences to you and your family
Sandy Kaffel Emerson (Hampstead NH) Class of 62
Jack Maher
March 25, 2011
I remember sitting on the front steps of their house on Maple St. waiting for Mr. Wiggin to pick us up for Little League games for the Foster Beef team, flooding Peter's back yard for an ice skating rink, playing baseball with Peter etc...seems lika a hundred years ago. I have only great memories of Peter as I know everyone has.
Heaven now has a point guard!
Kevin Devine
March 25, 2011
The world has lost a great, great man in Peter Kearns. To his wonderful family I offer my deepest condolences.
Robert Dion
March 25, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family.
Martin Sullivan
March 25, 2011
Sincere condolences to Peter's family and friends. Marty Sullivan - Class of 61
March 25, 2011
Helen and Family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Our prayers will be with you all.
Peter was a truly remarkable man and achieved so much in his lifetime - He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
Dennis and Jackie Stone, Stratham, NH
Lee Nyquist
March 25, 2011
Peter Kearns- a brilliant, kind, thoughtful and humble man of remarkable abilities in all phases of life. His friends and colleagues in the Bar will never forget the example that he set and hope that they will at least occasionally be able to emulate that example themselves. Thanks, Peter, for everything.
With heartfelt condolences to Peter's family,
March 25, 2011
Will always remember Peter the athlete as i photograped him especially in basketball working toward his scoring record.Worked with his dad "jocko" at the unionleader and knew his mother also. A real class person in his youth and later as an accomplished lawer. George Naum,Manchester
Michael Remington
March 25, 2011
Helen, Kristin & Liz, on behalf of all the Remington Family, I offer our deepest condolences, and prayers for you during this difficult time. God bless Peter, and may the Lord grant him peaceful rest.
Mike
Nancy Cutter
March 25, 2011
Helen,
Thinking of you.
David Wenners
March 25, 2011
Sincere Condolences
Lou
March 25, 2011
Peter, you always acted with the highest level of ethics and professionalism in your dealings with others. You knew the law and were always there for your clients and friends. RIP Peter until we meet again.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Kearns's name
Memorial Events
for Peter Kearns
How to support Peter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Peter Kearns's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
