Frederick Richard Kearney

A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Frederick Richard “Rich” Kearney passed away July 19, 2023, at the age of 61 after a battle with cancer. He was born in Long Beach, California March 16, 1962, where he had many fond memories of growing up. He graduated from the University of California – Riverside, and went on to pursue a Ph.D in Chemistry from Cornell University. Rich loved being a scientist. He started his career at Polaroid Corporation in the R&D and the graphics imaging division, and from there he worked at Presstek for 15 years focusing much of his research on coatings technology. Eleven years ago, he began working for the Warner Babcock Institute of Green Technology, where he worked developing greener ways to reduce or eliminate the use and/or generation of hazardous substances in the design phase of materials development.

Rich’s particular professional specialty landed this California boy in Massachusetts, where he met the love of his life, Laurie Conn. They married in 1994, and settled in Walpole where they raised three children, Daniel, Nicholas and Claire. As much as Rich loved being a scientist, he loved being a father even more! He was a hands-on dad, often working behind the scenes with homework, or patiently teaching his kids how to ride a bike, or passing on his love of fishing. As his kids enjoyed scouting, Rich joined Troop 44 as an Assistant Scout Master, where he often described his main job there was to “bat kids back in play,” although it was much more than that!

Rich leaves behind his wife, Laurie and children: Daniel & his fiancée Sam Muzzi; Nicholas and Claire Kearney; his siblings and their partners: Matthew & Kim Kearney, Aurora Kimball & Chris Wlodarz, and Victoria & Michael Brunson; as well as his adored nieces & nephews: Brandt, Kasey, Olivia, Andrew, John, Katherine, Christine, Zachary and Alexander, his many cousins and countless friends. He is predeceased by his mother Penny Lynn (Bourke) Kimball, his grandparents Frederick & Muriel (Batemen) Bourke.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in The First Congregational Church of Norwood, 100 Winter Street, reception to follow.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Rich’s name to Boy Scouts of America Mayflower Council, 83 Cedar Street, Milford, MA 01757,