Paul F. Kearney

GARDINER – Paul F. Kearney, 72, of Gardiner, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation.

He was born in Bangor on Nov. 25, 1950, the son of George and Marguerite (Guite) Kearney. Paul lived in Bangor until the age of 8 when his family moved to Houlton. Paul spoke fondly of his childhood in Houlton and the life-long friendships he developed there. While attending Houlton High School, Paul excelled at several sports, particularly basketball, where he led the freshman team as the team captain and then played three years on the varsity team. Also notable, Paul served as his class president, which was not surprising given his very likable nature.

Upon high school graduation in 1969, Paul attended Indiana State University where he majored in marketing. During this time, he met the love of his life, Lise, and they later married in 1975. Paul and Lise lived in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia while Paul established his career in sales. Eventually they moved back to Gardiner, in his home state of Maine, to raise their family. Paul was blessed with two sons, Patrick and Jack and a daughter, Mary. Paul was a wonderful father who supported his children as they pursued their various interests whether he was coaching, mentoring, or just being present.

From a young age, Paul had a generous heart and rarely complained about a bad situation. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and was always concerned about how others were doing. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and quick wit, which he carried with him to the end. Paul loved spending time with his family and was delighted by visits with his grandchildren. As a devout Catholic, he attended St. Joseph’s Church in Gardiner every Sunday and instilled these virtues in his children. Paul was a lifelong New England sports fan who watched almost every Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots game, even if meant that he stayed up far too late on a weeknight.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Marguerite, and his brother, James.

Paul is survived by his wife Lise (Kale) Kearney; oldest son Patrick and wife Raechell and their two sons, Kellan (4) and Emmett (1); son Jack and wife Heather, and their two sons Alexander (2) and Jack Jr. (1); daughter Mary and her husband Josh Ellis; sister Anne Chase and husband Jerry, niece Jennifer and husband Baxter; nephew Derek and wife Heather; great nieces and nephews Ryan, Tessa, Dylan and Ava.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gardiner.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com