James Leo Mckearney, Jr.

James Leo McKearney, Jr., 83, of Sunset Acres, Washington Street, Plainville; formerly of Attleboro; died on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the home of his daughter in Wrentham following a long illness. He was the husband of BettyLou (Leonard) McKearney to whom he was married on September 25, 1954. Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on July 4, 1927, he was a son of the late James Leo McKearney, Sr. and Gladys May (Johnson) McKearney. He was raised in Rehoboth and was a 1945 graduate of Attleboro High School. Mr. McKearney received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the former Framingham State College in 1976. Previously, Mr. McKearney attended Wentworth Institute and Tufts University. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army having served from his enlistment on December 27, 1945 until his honorable discharge on June 13, 1947. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was the recipient of the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. McKearney was a school teacher for the City of Attleboro School Department for 21 years having been an educator in the vocational department. He received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field of science, innovation and education. He was a member of the 1983-1984 Occupational Advisory Committee at Attleboro High School and was recognized by the Bristol County Educators Association for his years of service to children and the teaching profession. James and his wife BettyLou owned and operated the family business, Apco Mossberg Company, in Attleboro for many years. He was an accomplished and innovative inventor of medical tools. The company is now proudly operated by his son Sean and his wife Janice. Mr. McKearney resided in Plainville for the past 16 years after moving to the community from the City of Attleboro where he had resided for 57 years. Following his retirement and for several years he served as a school crossing guard for the Town of North Attleboro School Department. While residing in Attleboro, he was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church where he served in the church choir. Since moving to Plainville, Mr. McKearney was a communicant of St. Martha Roman Catholic Church. Always a true patriot, he was a member of the American Legion and the Veteran of Foreign Wars both in Attleboro. For many years he was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1014 in Attleboro. He treasured the time spent at the ocean on Cape Cod and was happiest when creating lifelong memories with his beloved family. In addition to his wife of 57 years, he leaves five children: Scott J. McKearney of Cambridge; Joyce Ellen Welsh and her husband, Lealand Welsh, of Wrentham; J. Peter McKearney and his wife, Alba (Arango) McKearney, of Wrentham; Diane J. Fontaine and her husband, Ralph Fontaine, of Attleboro and Sean J. McKearney and his wife, Janice (Mattson) McKearney, of Attleboro; 11 grandchildren; two sisters: Gladys M. Benoit and her husband, Robert Bucky Benoit, of Rehoboth and Janet A. Dyer, wife of Edward A. Dyer, of Wrentham and Centerville; three brothers: Richard A. McKearney and his wife, Betty McKearney, of Attleboro; Raymond C. McKearney and his wife, Liz McKearney, of Rehoboth and Gary S. McKearney and his wife, Kim McKearney, of Rehoboth; a sister-in-law, Helen McKearney, wife of the late Ronald E. Mac McKearney who died on March 26, 2008, of Rehoboth and three generations of nieces and nephews and several extended family members and dear friends. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation with Veterans Honors on Sunday, June 26, 2011 from 2:00 6:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the funeral with Veterans Honors on Monday, June 27, 2011 at 7:30 AM from the Memorial Chapel of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 AM at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 130 South Street, Wrentham with the Rev. George C. Hines, Pastor, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in North Purchase Cemetery, Attleboro. Childrens room available during visitation and while the funeral cortege is being organized. Following cemetery services an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship, refreshments and remembrance at a location to be announced. Flowers are accepted or memorial donations in Mr. McKearneys name may be made to the Evercare Hospice and Palliative Care, 950 Winter Street Suite 4830, Waltham, MA 02451. To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an on-line register book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.