David Brian Kearney

David Brian Kearney

November 23, 2025

May 19, 1954 - November 23, 2025

David B. Kearney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 at the age of 71 in Richmond, VA. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth A. Kearney; mother, Helen Louise (Wharton) Kearney; and step-mother, Jacqueline {Summers) Kearney. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Jane (Venables) Kearney; his sons, Graham Thomas Kearney (Loren) and Evan Forrest Kearney (Kylene Nickoli); his five cherished grandchildren; and his brothers, Stephen Charles Kearney (Martha) and Gregory John Kearney (Judy), and several nieces and nephews.

Born in Illinois, Dave mainly grew up in northern Indiana near the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan. His love of nature and the environment started at an early age and followed him for the rest of his life. In the early 1960s, the family lived a short time in Harrisonburg and Dale Enterprise, VA until returning to Indiana.

Dave graduated from Purdue University, School of Agriculture in 1976 with a major in natural resources/environmental science with a B.S. with highest distinction. He earned his J.D. from UVA School of Law in 1982. While there, he was Articles Editor for the Virginia Journal of Natural Resources Law. He also earned the designation of Phi Beta Kappa.

From 1982 to 1985, he was an Associate at McGuire, Woods & Battle. From 1985 to 1999, he was with the Richmond City Attorney's Office as Assistant City Attorney. From 1999 to 2008, he was owner and publisher of Neighborhood Sports Magazine. From 2008 to 2012, he was with the Department of Conservation and Recreation with the Commonwealth of Virginia. From 2012 to 2020 and retirement, he was once again, back with the Richmond City Attorney's Office as Senior Assistant City Attorney.

Dave enjoyed hiking, camping, Civil War history, walking the neighborhood and spending time with family, friends and his kitty cats. During the late 1990s and into the 2000s, Dave was an assistant scout leader for Boy Scout Troop 799. He enjoyed rooting for Purdue and UVA in all sporting events, and especially watching the Washington Redskins >>> Commanders.

In 1990, Dave was lucky to be an extra in the TV film, "Traitor in My House" with Mary Kay Place, about Union sympathizer, Elizabeth Van Lew in Civil War-era Richmond, VA. But his biggest accomplishment was being an extra for the movie "Lincoln" in 2012, directed by Steven Spielberg. Dave would often relay what Spielberg told him and several of his fellow extra Representatives, "Don't forget, you were one of the good Republicans then". In 2016, Dave was an extra in the short-lived PBS series "Mercy Street", an historical drama set during the Civil War following nurses and civilians at a Union hospital in Alexandria, VA. Dave made it into the season's climactic scene ... nodding to President Lincoln, as he stepped from his carriage to visit the hospital.

Dave will be remembered for his kindness, analytical skills, laughter and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family is grateful for the kind and patient care he received from the nurses and staff at Lakeside Senior Living.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association, The Wilderness Society or National Park Foundation. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.

Woody Parham