Submitted by: Dan Rich

Kevin W. Kearney Jr.

Sept. 8, 1986 - April 5, 2008

South Bend Tribune 4/8/2008
GRANGER - Kevin W. Kearney Jr., 21, of Granger, Indiana, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 5, 2008, with his parents at his side, due to complications from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He was born on September 8, 1986, in Livingston, New Jersey, to Kevin, Sr. and Elizabeth (Kloska) Kearney. Kevin lived in the area for 15 years, coming from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Along with his parents, he is survived by four sisters, Mary, Madeline, Erin and Maeve; three brothers, Jack, Austin and Ryan, all of Granger; his maternal grandparents, Ronald and Mary Kloska of South Bend; his paternal grandmother, Virginia Kearney of Convent Station, NJ; seventeen aunts and uncles, Austin and Joanne Kearney of Dunwoody, GA; Dennis Kearney of South Orange, NJ; Sheila Murphy of South Orange, NJ; Brian Kearney of Convent Station, NJ; Richard and Virginia Darche of Basking Ridge, NJ; Warren and Kathleen Diltz of South Bend, Thomas and Kathleen Siegert of Basking Ridge, NJ; Ronald and Anne Kloska of Fort Wright, KY; Richard and Mary Thomas of Charlton, MA; and Matthew and Carolyn Parr of London, England; cousins, James, Helen, Will and Nate Kearney, Christine, R.J., Mike, Matt and Pat Darche, Andy, Mary Kate, Sarah and Joey Diltz, Tim, Meghan, Callie, Becky and Chris Siegert, Ron, Ali, Katie and Matt Kloska, Bridget, Anna, Margaret and Lily Kearney, Megan, Ben, Anna and Colleen Thomas, and Bea, Luke and Wyatt Parr.

Kevin was a 2005 graduate of Saint Joseph's High School in South Bend, IN and attended Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN for 3 semesters until his illness prevented him from continuing. He was a very proud and loving brother of his seven younger siblings. He was always available to listen and offer advice and insight on any situation. Kevin was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He was a wonderful fan and "coach and critic" for all of his siblings' sports. He spent many years cheering for Christ the King and Saint Joseph's High School. He was a permanent fixture on the sidelines for all of the Saint Joe football games and most of the boy's and girl's basketball games for many years. While attending Saint Joe, Kevin received many honors from the football and basketball teams as their Number 1 Fan. Kevin also received St. Joseph's Community Award in 2005 for being the senior who enhances the school's "educational community thereby promoting its Catholic identity." He was a winner of the Phoenix scholarship of the Rotary Club of South Bend. Kevin had also served as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was an MDA Personal Achievement Award Winner. Kevin loved MDA Camp and was a fixture on the local MDA telethon for many years. Kevin was a devoted son, brother and friend. His life was a testament to his faith. His courage and love of his family and friends gave us an example of how to live and serve the Lord. He will be in our hearts forever. GO IRISH! GO SAINT JOE INDIANS!

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 PM Wednesday, April 9, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a parish Rosary will be recited at 4 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Thursday, April 10, 2008, in Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 SR 933, South Bend, with burial to follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Cambridge Office Park, 314 West Catalpa, Suite F, Mishawaka, IN 46545; or to Saint Joseph's High School, 1441 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46617.