Thomas J. Kearns, 86, Worked as Sprinkler Fitter for 40 Years

Thomas J. Kearns, Jr., 86, of Mansfield, formerly of Norwood died on Wednesday, January 15, at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.

Born in Boston, MA on July 19, 1927, he was a son of the late Thomas J., Sr. and Mary Patricia (Fitzgerald) Kearns.

Mr. Kearns spent his early childhood living in Quincy. His family later moved to Brookline and he was a graduate of BC High School. After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, he attended Holy Cross College and again served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War.

Prior to retiring, Mr. Kearns worked for over 40 years as a Sprinkler Fitter for Local Union #550 in Boston. He had made his home in Mansfield for the past 20 years and had formerly resided in Norwood.

He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield where he attended daily mass and also served as a collector.

Mr. Kearns loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren all of whom he was so proud. Upon the death of his brother-in-law Frank, he became a surrogate father to his sister Barbara’s 14 children.

Mr. Kearns enjoyed sailing his boat the “Jeta” on Casco Bay in Freeport, Me. His other interests included gardening and along with his companion Fran. They were avid travelers. Mr. Kearns was also a member of the DAV.

He leaves his children, Annemarie E. O’Brien and her husband Bill of Wrentham, Thomas J. III and his wife Suzy of Canton, Edward F. and his wife Emma of Utah and John J. and his wife Cindy of Lakeville. He was the loving companion of Fran Russell of Norwood and the brother of Barbara Mack of Maine and the late Marie K. Wells of Illinois. He also leaves his grandchildren, Jhon-Eren, Caroline Ann, Nicole E. and Jake T., many nieces and nephews, and his best friends, “Sammy,” “Bailey,” and “Woody.”

His Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 21st at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 20th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield.

Those wishing, may remember Tom with a donation in his memory made to St. Mary’s School, 330 Pratt St., Mansfield, MA 02048. To send the Kearns family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com