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William Kearns Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Kearns
barbara weller
June 2, 2022
I have purchased an auction-box lot here in Texas, 2022, in it is a pewter tankard engraved to RADM W.A.Kearns Jr, USN
Would like to return it to his family.
Please contact me at [email protected], or at 405-206-9749.
Joseph Walker
January 1, 2011
Was an honor to serve under him on the USS Nassau. He will forever be a stong memory and guidance to me.My deepest condolences go out to you and your family.Capt.(ADM) Kearns was a fair,strong and devoted leader. Amen
GERALD DURHAM
November 28, 2010
TO TAMMY AND FAMILY. I HADE THE PROUD DISTINCTION OF SERVING,ADMIRAL KEARNS AS BOATSWAIN ABOARD USNS CONTENDER
HE WAS THE FINEST OF MEN THE BEST OF COMMANDING OFFICERS.
October 13, 2010
Tammy,
Capt. (ADM) Kearns guided and inspired me as a young JO on the Nassau. What a leader ! What a American ! and what a influance on my life he had. I treasure serving under him. Thank you for sharing him with us all.
Lee and Pam Sykes
Plank Owners
CDR. Retired
315 Leeds Dr.
Slidell La. 70461
PS I am one of the Lt's in picture of 1st SWO recipiants
Foley Hurt, ABH1 (ret)
June 27, 2010
Dear Mrs Kearns -
As a Plankowner, and a 21 year retiree - I pause to reflect on RADM Kearns and his service. As "my Captain" - he was the first CO i ever knew on an operational ship of the line and he impressed me with his pride and true professionalism. His command was a testament and an inspiration to make me want to continue a full career in the Navy.
To your family and to our fellow shipmates - to "Our Captain" - Fair Winds, and Following Seas.
May God rest is soul - and may he forever find the etrnal peace and contentment
Ann Marie Sullivan
May 18, 2010
Dear Tammy--My heart goes out to you...Bill was a wonderful man, served his country to the utmost and loved his wife and afmily with all his heart...May fair winds bring you home, Bill.--ann marie sullivan
May 5, 2010
To Tammy and Family: I grieve for your loss. I had gone to school with Bill through Mt. Carmel Grammar School all the way through Glen Rock Junior High and then through Ridgewood High School. Unfortunately, I had not seen Bill for many years. However, the time we spent together in those early years
was always joyous and fun.
Bill was one of the most decent people I have ever known. God bless you and your entire family.
Dick Moran. 23 Livingston St, Rhinebeck, N.Y. [email protected]
Bill & Dianne Greenhalgh
April 30, 2010
Tammy,
We were so very sorry to hear about Bill. He was such a good guy. When we think about the two of you it brings back great memories of being neighbors in Monterey and of all the goofy things we did. We did have a lot of fun, didn't we?! You and Bill G. were a dangerous combo but Bill K., being the level head in the group, at least tried to keep all of us in line. Such wonderful memories.
Please give our condolences to your children and grandchildren.
Bill will always remain one of our very favorite people and one we are so happy we got to know. We will miss him.
Our love to you and your family.
Always,
Bill and Dianne
Erasmo T. (Rusty) Palapo, RM1(Ret)
April 30, 2010
We will miss you; Captain.
Fair Winds and Calm Seas to you;
Forever.
April 20, 2010
To the Kearns family, Barbara and I send our condolences. I can still recall his warm smile at Bill and Mary's wedding, he made a lasting impression on me. May you find comfort in the Lord's grace.
Keith Ulrich
CDR, USN (RET)
Mead, Colorado
Walter Ott
April 16, 2010
My condolences to the Kearn family. Early in my career as a Surface Warfare Officer, I had the pleasure of having ADM Kearns son, now CAPT William Kearns, as one of my SWOSCOLCOM instructors. As a very impressionable JO, I was very impressed by his son's professionalism, his knowledge of the Surface Warfare profession, and the sea. I can only assume that ADM Kearns and his wife were responsible for this love of the Navy and the sea in their son. God Bless you and your family. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Walter Ott
LCDR, USN (RET)
Leon Garber
April 15, 2010
Admiral Kearns made a difference in my life while I was still in high school. I attended Adm. Farragut Academy with his youngest son. Upon hearing that I was interested in his college alma mater, SUNY Maritime, he promptly "adopted" me the next weekend he was in town to see his son. As he dropped us both off at school that Sunday evening, he simply looked at me and said "I'll let Adm. Miller know you'll be starting in the Fall". Simple as that I became a Domer and lucky I was!!
While at Ft. Schuyler, I saw Adm. Kearns a few times a year when he came back to campus. He never failed to find me and see how I was doing. At one point I thought I had disappointed him and didn't know why. He had asked me about my plans after graduation, and I had excitedly said that I was going to flight school in Pensacola. A flash of disappointment crossed his face. I was confused as I thought he would be proud of my choice to go on active duty, as he had done. Then he mentioned that having just retired, he was sailing as a captain on the TAGOS vessels and had hoped to take me along as one of his 3rd mates. Despite the excitement of getting in to flight school, it was my turn to be disappointed, I would be missing my chance to sail with a man who had looked out for me and quietly steered me in the right direction. Though flight school and the Navy worked out for me, looking back now, I think I missed out on sailing with a great Officer and Mariner and enjoying the challenges of those "July blizzards" in far northern seas with a contact on the tail, playing the ultimate chess game!
Fair Winds & Following Seas,
Leon Garber
CDR USN
Andy Fosina
April 14, 2010
Dear Tammy and Family,
We are deeply sorry to hear of the Admiral's passing. It was my pleasure and privilege to work directly with him in 1983. It was always good to see you and he at the Gator Join Ups.
God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Andy and Barbara Fosina
April 14, 2010
Mrs Kearns and Family,
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of RAdm Kearns.
I was his Combat Cargo Assistant on the El Paso (Apr 73-Aug 75). His leadership, the Chiefs and crewmembers on board, made my tour most enjoyable. I consider the El Paso the highlight of my 28 years in the Marine Corps.
Robert Merle, Master GySgt, USMC, Ret.
ADJ2 James Harris
April 13, 2010
Fair Winds And Following Seas Bluejacket. Thank You For Your Service.
George Garbe
April 12, 2010
Dear Tammy and Family,
Annie and I are so sad to learn of Bill's passing. What a great and good man! My remembrances of him during our Fort Schuyler Days are that of a true gentleman and a trusted friend, honest to the core. I'm only sorry that our encounters after graduation from the 'Fort' were limited to a few class reunions. God bless you and your family, we can only imagine how you miss Bill already.
George H. Garbe
CAPT, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret)
Class of '54
Diana Mohr
April 12, 2010
To Tammy and family: With thoughts of you, the wonderful life you shared and prayers during a very diffucult time.
Fondly,
Diana and David Mohr
Jerry Goodwine
April 12, 2010
Dear Tammy and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences and love go out to you at this time.
We often recall the days in and out of Okinawa...they were the highlight of our Marine Corps career...both professionally and personally.
It was always a pleasure to work with a true and dedicated professional and
Bill was the best of the many I have known.
Our love and thoughts are with you.
Jerry and Masako Goodwine
April 12, 2010
The Admiral was the best ship handler I ever knew in my 26 year career! His concern for the training and well being of his crew made all of us proud to call him "Our Captain". Serving as his Command Master Chief gave me intimate knowledge of how much he cared for his men and their families.
Murray Lee Command Master chief USS El Paso
Vinny Pasquarelli
April 11, 2010
Tammy and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of a Admiral Kerns. As his Admin Officer at COMPHIBGRU TWO (my first tour after commissioning), I had the absolute pleasure of serving under him. His leadership, model example, and motivation were pivotal to my 28 year career. Never forgotten, he will always hold a warm place in my heart!!!
Otis Batzel
April 10, 2010
From a Farm boy, who know nothing,till a Visionary of Great Levels of knowledge and understanding of the Seas and his men. Always Stalwart and knowledgeable in Great Understanding in Leadership and TEAM Concept.
My very First Captain and ONLY Captain and Rear Admiral, I will ever remember and Admire for his Courage and Bravery in all levels of mankind. The Love I had for my captain, I would of given my life for my Captain. From a farm boy, a very dumb farm boy in upstate Rochester, New York. We will see YOU on the High Seas in Heaven, Rear Admiral Sir! LI3 Batzel
April 9, 2010
Mrs Kearns and Family: Sheryl and I send you our prayers best wishes. The commissioning crew of the Nassau was best I ever served with. I had the privilege serving with Admiral Kearns on board Nassau and when I transferred to the the Amphibious School at Little Creek. He was a true gentlleman in every sense of the word. God bless you and your family.
Jim and Sheryl Hawkins,
12670 East Paradise Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
(Lt, LDO, retired) Plank Owner USS Nassau LHA 4
April 9, 2010
Admiral Kearns displayed honor, courage, dedication, and loyalty ever time he wore his uniform. Even though I did not work with him, I know this to be true, because I had the honor of working with his son Ted.
God bless you and your family
Norman Johnson
April 9, 2010
Tammy and Family,
Maureen and I share in your sorrow and loss. It was an honor to have served, and learned, under Bill's command.
Bob and Maureen Ianucci
USS NASSAU
April 8, 2010
The Kearns family should take great pride in the knowledge that there are untold scores of people who would not enjoy the level of success they have were it not for the Admiral's inspired leadership, shining example, and great character. I'm just one of them.
Andrew Hoyt
USS Nassau
April 8, 2010
Tammy, The Nation has lost a great Naval officer and leader and I have lost an important mentor. Bill taught me so much when I served as Nassau's first Air Boss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Earle and Marilyn Rogers.
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