George C. Kearns Sr.

South Portland- George C. Kearns Sr., 88, of Surfsite Rd., died peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2017 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born in South Portland, Maine on October 12, 1928 the son of the late James H. and Marion G. (Parks) Kearns. He attended local schools and at the age of 16 left school and joined the Merchant Marines. He later enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the service he served a tour of duty in Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam. After more than twenty years of service, receiving several letters of commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal, and a bronze star, just to name a few, he retired from the Army in 1970. On December 16, 1950 George married Madeline L. Malpass and together raised their family while stationed at various military bases in the Unites States and Europe. They finally retired in Portland where they had grown up. While in the Army George earned his high school diploma. After retiring from the Army he worked for WT Grants and Security for USM before going to work for the United States Postal Service, a career which spanned more than twenty years, ending with his retirement in 1995. He was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in South Portland and later St. Maximilian Kolbe in Scarborough. He was also a life member of the Portland Post of the VFW. In his spare time, George loved going out to eat with family and friends, taking walks and exercising on his stationary bike and trampoline. Activities he was doing right up until recent months. He loved to gather around family and friends and tell his stories with that special Irish sparkle. His greatest love was the time he spent surrounded by his grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he adored and inspired daily. His love for them was returned tenfold by the care, attention, and love that all of his grandchildren showed to him, especially in recent months of failing health. The love that each of the grandchildren showed to their grandfather is greater than any words can express. George was predeceased by his wife Madeline Kearns in 2007; a sister, Mary Kearns; three brothers, John, James, and Bernard Kearns. He is survived by three sons, Gary Kearns of Westbrook, George Kearns Jr. of South Portland, and John T. and wife Pamela Kearns of Old Orchard Beach; four daughters, Pamela and husband Robert Charette of Fort Kent, Patricia and husband Robert Johnson of Buxton, Catherine and husband Roger Jackson of Gorham, and Marion Slusser of Westbrook; fifteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to VNA Home Health Hospice, especially Marla and Shelly for the great care given to their dad. They would also like to extend a special thank you to MMC IR Radiology Department. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway. A service will follow at the Chapel at 12:00 with the Rev. Harold Moreshead officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. To view Georges memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com Contributions for those who wish to may be made in Georges memory to: VNA Home Health/Hospice, 50 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106.