Richard P. Kearney

Richard Patrick Kearney
August 14, 2023
After a long and wild ride, Richard Patrick Kearney, 81, of Syracuse, has left this life to go stir up some of his special chaos on another plane of existence. Monday afternoon his daughter found him kicked back in bed, a glass of Pepsi and vodka on his nightstand, a bag of half-eaten Wise chips next to him, and a look of peace on his face. As deaths go, I don't think he could've asked for a better one. He looked like he was resting, or plotting, you can never tell what this man has up his sleeve. If there is some sort of existence after death--an idea neither of us was that invested in, I hope he is with my mom and they're eating her delicious and incomparable Chinese food. I hope the energy released from his body is bouncing through the universe and every once in a while, it makes someone laugh. Thank you, Dad, for always trying to protect me. I know life wasn't easy for you either. Thanks for taking a chance on a nippy orphan who needed a home with a dad who could tame a biter. The social workers always said I was terrified of men, but not you because you came with jokes and kindness--two things I hope will live on in me. We made quite the match, my dude. Rest now, Pops. This next step in life is the easy part. Nothing but love, Dad. Love, and a lifetime of memories.
He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and received his bachelor's degree from Hofstra University. Richard proudly served in the Navy and took part in the Cuban Blockade. He retired from Grumman Aerospace where he worked on the space and defense programs, the Lunar Module, and F-14 projects. Later in life he returned to the work force and retired a second time, from Harford County Public School System in Maryland. His hobbies ranged from building computers, staying active on social media accounts, refreshing his tech knowledge with every new update as well as many DIY projects requiring his skillful knowledge in super glue and duct tape. Richard enjoyed staying up late and partying like a college kid along with being a part time babysitter to his furry grandson, Otto. He was predeceased by his wife, Jane Kearney; his parents, Charles and Violet Kearney; and his sister, Joan Kearney Low. Richard is survived by his daughter, Kelly Kearney of Syracuse; his daughter-in-law, Nicole Kearney of Syracuse; his brother, Daniel Kearney; nieces and nephews, Dawn Ahlberg, Kerry Ahlberg Marroquin, Richard Link Jr, Joseph Low, Fred Ahlberg Jr., and many more. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date.