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1947 - 2019
1947 - 2019
Obituary
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1947
2019
Age 71 of Irwin, passed away Saturday, January 12, 2019. He was born March 20, 1947 in Braddock, a son of the late Robert and Phyllis (Dugan) Kearns. He was highly decorated Army veteran that served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam and the 11th and 19th Special Forces Groups. After retiring from the Army, he continued to serve his country for the next 11 years as a civilian contractor for the Department of Defense in different military roles in Iraq and Afghanistan including the Director of Security and Intelligence in Afghanistan. He was a member of the VFW Post 781 in Irwin, Special Forces Association, Delta Raiders, Herminie Sportsmans Club and the McKeesport Sportsmans Club. He is survived by his wife, Pamela "Pam" Kearns; children, James Joseph Kearns of Irwin and Nicole (Paul) Stephenson of Waynesburg; grandchildren, Trevor, Morgan and Trent Stephenson and Alex Kearns; brothers, Robert (Kathy) Kearns of Franklin Square, New York and Richard (Pam) Kearns of Trafford; and sisters, Lorraine (David) Mosser of Heath, Ohio and Christine (Marco) Bartoluzzi of Trafford; and many nieces and nephews. Friends and family will be received from 1 till time of service at 6 p.m., Wednesday with Rev. Bruce Judy officiating at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200. Everyone is invited to the VFW Post 781 in Irwin after the service for food and fellowship. Those wishing to participate in procession to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will gather at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m., Thursday. The scheduled interment with military honors, will take place at the cemetery located at 1158 Morgan Road in Bridgeville at 10:30 a.m., Thursday. Memorial contributions can be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or the All But Furgotten Animal Rescue, 70 Carpenter Lane, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. For online condolences please visit:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sina Ionadi
January 9, 2021
Phil and I would love talking to Jim , he loved his wife and family so much he would tell stories of them and I would love to hear the live in his voice ❤He was bigger than life and if he believed in something or someone he believed with all he had ❤ You are missed my friend ❤
January 23, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gary & Cheryl Gunter
January 17, 2019
Pam,
Chip was an awesome person. Gary & I are profoundly sorry for your loss. We are praying for all of you.
Gary & Cheryl (Gunter)
Ed & Helen Vaniel
January 17, 2019
So sorry to hear of Chip's passing. Our sincere condolences.
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Julie Bayko and family
January 16, 2019
Pam,Nikki,Jimmy, and Paul
We are sorry to hear about Jim's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
TIMOTHY DAWSON
January 16, 2019
A man among men. You defined toughness, and served your country, family and friends with great honor. I will miss our conversations Tim Dawson
Stacey Anderson
January 16, 2019
Dear Mrs. Kearns, Nikki and Jim- My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
With sympathy,
Stacey Anderson
Sina Ionadi
January 16, 2019
You will be missed , you had such s great presence, RIP ,Sina and Phil
Roger Romestan
January 16, 2019
Soldiers deal usually in last names, so it isn't with any disrespect that I call SFC Kearns just Kearns. I remember him as a good soldier whose stories made me laugh; he will be missed. Prayers and my thoughts go out to the family.
See you on the high ground Kearns!
Romestan
Bruna Leonard
January 16, 2019
Thank you for your service, Rest In Peace
john nemes
January 15, 2019
A great soldier and even greater man. Hoooooorah
Roger Romestan
January 15, 2019
Soldiers usually deal in last names , so it is with no disrespect that I call SFC Kearns just Kearns. I remember Kearns as a good soldier whose stories always made me laugh. Prayers and my thoughts go out to the family at this difficult time.
See you on the high ground Jimmy!
Romestan
Patty Mauro
January 15, 2019
Jim was the protector of the neighborhood and has done so much for us over the years. He will be sadly missed. God bless the family. Xoxo, Mauro family
Laurie Monopoli
January 15, 2019
I never had the honor to meet you & your precious fur babies. As an animal rescuer & supporter of the military this truly breaks my heart. I so much wanted to hear about your journey in life. I promise you I will forever & ever be there for you wife! She means the world to me & I'm so blessed to have her in my life! God bless you handsome, Jim (Chip)! You will be greeted in heaven by many loved ones. My dad will also be there to sing you his favorite song, "Pennies from Heaven." Now when I find a penny I will think of you both! GOD BLESS & MUCH LOVE, Laurie Monopoli
Cory McNutt
January 15, 2019
Look to God and the Heavens for peace and comfort, knowing Jim is helping guard the Pearly Gates. So sorry for your loss.
January 15, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the God who binds up broken hearted and comfort all who mourn sustain you and your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61 : 1,2
Howard and Belinda Berta
January 15, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. So sorry
Charlene DeFazio
January 15, 2019
Please accept our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
DeFazio Family
January 15, 2019
Death is never easy to cope with but God's word can bring you comfort. Isaiah 57:13
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521 Main Street, Irwin, PA 15642-3404
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