Philip F. Kearns (age 96)

[Pompeii]

Philip F. Kearns, of DuBois PA, “checked out” on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the age of 96.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Simmons, his father, Philip F. Kearns, his stepfather, William Simmons, his former wife, Arlene, and his longtime friend, Dottie Loop. He is survived by his children: Lori (Kearns) Baker and her husband, Michael, of Montclair VA, Gary Kearns and his wife, Kate, of Naples, FL, Brian Kearns of Manhattan Beach, CA, and Kathleen (Kearns) Brennan of Westerly, RI; and granddaughters, Colleen (Kearns) Tibbett, Megan Kearns, and Stephanie Brennan.

 

Phil, born on April 2, 1925, in Pittsburgh, PA, spent his early years in the Nelson House, founded by his maternal grandfather, Swan Nelson. He was a 1943 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. He joined the Navy at the age of 18 and served in the Pacific Theater from 1943-1946. In 1949, he started out as mail carrier and bookkeeper at the Union Banking and Trust Company (now S & T Bank), working his way up to teller and Assistant Treasurer. He retired from the bank in 1987 as Vice President of the Trust Office. 

 

Phil’s service to the DuBois area community began when he was a young man. He was a charter member and past president of the DuBois Jaycees, and was chairman of the DuBois Jaycees swimming pool project, which brought DuBois its first public outdoor pool.  He was the 1973 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the DuBois Jaycees. He served as president of the DuBois Area Chamber of Commerce, and as chairman of the DuBois Housing Authority. He was a member of the American Legion, the Vets Club, and the Elks Club, of which he was a past Exalted Ruler. 

 

In his younger days, Phil enjoyed sports like bowling, and hunting with his sons, Gary and Brian. Golf became his main pastime, and with Gary and Brian and sometimes his granddaughter Megan, traveled to storied golf courses such as Pebble Beach in California, some of the most famous courses in Ireland and played Carnoustie in Scotland at age 93.

 

His children will remember him for his generosity and sense of humor, his ever-present pipe, his beautiful singing voice, especially Irish ballads, and his love of a good time and of beer. Watching aircraft taking off and landing was always a thrill, and the closer and louder, the better. Chasing fire trucks was a family pastime; when the sirens started, he and his children would pile into the car to follow the fire trucks to the fire. His one-liners are legendary and will live on in the memories of all who called him a friend. 

 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 2 PM – 4PM at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.

 

Immediately following the visitation friends and family are invited to a celebration of Phil’s life from 4 PM – 6 PM at the George D. Montgomery American Legion Post 17 on Liberty Boulevard. All are welcome.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 10 AM from St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church with Msgr. Richard Siefer as celebrant.

 

Burial will follow in St. Catherine Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the members of the  DuBois Area Honor Guard.

 

Donations in Phil’s memory may be made to Christ the King Manor, 1100 West long Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801.

 

Online condolences can be sent to http://baronickfuneralhome.com/condolence