Leo James Kearns

Leo J. Kearns passed away peacefully in Fall River, MA on July 14, 2024,after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Theresa Kearns, in 2021. He was one of eleven children of George and Florence Kearns of Braintree, MA. He is survived by siblings Irene Hayes of Braintree, Sr. Louise Kearns of Dorchester, and Denis Kearns of Norwell. He is predeceased by brothers William, Richard (Dick), Paul, and David Kearns, as well as sisters Jeanne (Kearns) Nash, Marie (Kearns) LeBlanc, and Elaine (Kearns) Weldon.

Leo was an energetic and intelligent man who remained active and independent throughout most of his 94 years. He was born in Wollaston, MA in 1930, the fourth in a family of eleven children. Growing up in Dorchester, MA, Leo focused his education on becoming a master woodworker and cabinetmaker, learning the skills that would provide a source of pride all his adult life. Leo served in the U.S. Navy Seabeesduring the Korean War where he built and maintained military infrastructure in Guam. Upon his return he married Mary, and they began a family in South Weymouth, MA.

Leo’s skills as a craftsman and construction manager led him to become a key employee of Bingay & Son Corporation, a respected manufacturer of custom architectural woodwork. Leo managed large projects for major department stores such as Jordan Marsh and Filenes, and partnered with leading interior designers and architects to produce beautiful installations around the country. In 1974 Leo became the sole owner of Bingay & Sonand over time expanded their operations to over 100 employees, withfactories located in Nashua, NH and East Bridgwater, MA.

In building his business, Leo earned the respect of all who knew him for his hard work, attention to detail, and honesty. He was especially proud of his success in providing steady livings to skilled tradesmen and their families. Throughout his life, Leo remained a devout Catholic and gave generously to various religious and humanitarian causes. He was an avid reader of history and biographies. He also became an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

To his family, Leo will be most remembered for the joy he got from his grandchildren and his love for animals and nature. To his eight grandchildren, Leo was always known as ‘Papa’ and they learned early on that he was an easy mark for a warm smile and a cold ice cream treat.Leo’s love for wildlife was freely given as well. Whether it was dogs and cats, pigs and cows, owls or seagulls, Leo loved spending time with creatures and learning about their habits and habitats.

When faced with adversity, Leo was compassionate and generous. During the long-term illness of their third eldest child, Leo and Mary devoted time and resources without reservation to the care of Francis Thomas Kearns, who predeceased Leo in 1990. Their empathy for his afflictions and loving devotion to providing him with the best of care was a lesson in the power of self-sacrifice to all who knew them.

Leo is survived by his daughter Denise Lee Kearns and husband Frederick Witsell of Pawling, NY; and three sons: Joseph Timothy Kearns and wife Linda Krewduk Kearns, Hanover, MA; John Pierre Kearns, Manomet, MA; and Patrick Kearns and wife Dawn Sanseverino-Kearns, E. Bridgewater, MA. Leo’s grandchildren are Haley, Kate, Meaghen, Amy,Shannen, Julie, Cooper, and Connor. He also has several great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Leo’s name to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.ORG).

The Kearns family invites friends and loved ones for continental breakfast and to celebrate Leo’s life on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. A prayer service will take place at 11:00 am.