Obituary of William Kearns

William R. Kearns, a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away at the E. N. Rogers Veterans Hospital in Bedford on Friday morning, July 27, 2012. The beloved husband of 59 years of Hazel (Hatfield), he was 89 years old. Bill was born in Woburn. He was one of 6 children born to Irish Immigrants the late Annie and Michael Kearns. Bill was a Veteran of World War II serving his country in the United States Army where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Bill was part of Company C 67th Signal Battalion and was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Service Stars. After leaving the Army Bill and a number of men he served with traveled cross country throughout the United States. Bill left high school early to serve his country and in 1998 Bill along with other Veterans of World War II were honored with high school diplomas for their service to their country. Bill worked at the First National Stores in Woburn, Medford and Burlington for over 42 years. Bill was an active man. He loved singing, dancing and “karaoke”. Bill was a member of the Woburn Senior Center as well as the American Legion. He enjoyed traveling and had visited such destinations as Germany, Ireland and Niagara Falls in Canada. Bill will be remembered for his outgoing personality and love of family. Bill was the beloved husband of 59 years of Hazel (Hatfield). Loving father of Barbara Rae of Woburn & her late husband Donald, Staff Sgt. David Kearns & his wife Diana U. S. Army Goose Creek, SC, Susan Ryan & her husband Kevin of FL and the late Robert. Twin brother of Winifred Kearns of Woburn. Brother of Eleanor Flathers and Thomas Kearns of Hingham, Margaret Cullinane of Reading, and the late Anne Conley. Also survived by 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Aug. 1 a 10:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn at 11:30 a.m. Visiting hours Tuesday 6-8 p.m. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. In lieu of flowers memorials in Bill’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.