Robert Michael Kearns' Obituary
Robert M. Kearns
June 1, 1938 – May 26, 2023
Robert M. Kearns of Oakland, NJ, passed away Friday, May 26, 2023, a week before his 85th birthday, with family by his side.
Robert (aka “Bob,” “Rob,” “Gpa,” “Mr. Kearns”) was appreciated for his musical talent, quick wit, calm demeanor, and loyalty to friends and family.
Born in Orange, New Jersey, Robert and his four siblings grew up in Sea Girt, just blocks from the ocean. He attended St. Rose High School, and while there, developed a keen interest in astronomy and even built his own telescope. His true passion, however, was all things music, especially piano.
After graduating from St. Rose High School, Belmar, NJ in 1956, Robert earned his BA in music from Montclair State Teachers College and then went on to earn his Master’s Degree in music from Trenton State College. He shared his love of music with countless students during his 40+ year career as an elementary school music teacher, encouraging each child to find his/her voice, learn to play an instrument, and most of all to have fun with music. He remained musically active in the summers, teaching piano and picking up other gigs, including one as summer stock music director for the Ridgewood High School New Players in the early ‘80s.
An avid concert-goer, Robert also enjoyed reading, blogging, astronomy, and spending as much time as possible laughing with his family and friends.
Robert is survived by his beloved children, Michael Kearns of Ohio and Jennifer Ruppert of Maryland; four cherished grandchildren, Rebecca, Matti, David, and Johnny, all of Maryland; his partner, Leigh Meek-Mockel of Fair Lawn, his brother, Tom Kearns (Alina); his sisters, Mary Jo Kearns, RSM and CJ Walsh; nephews Joe Kearns (Amy) and Chris Walsh; niece Jean Marie Walsh; and many extended family members.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine C. Kearns; father, Joseph T. Kearns; brother, Joseph T. Kearns, Jr., as well as his beloved dog, Dixie.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer at Mercy-by-the-Lake in Long Branch, NJ, where the family has enjoyed a week together each summer for many years.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Robert’s honor to one of the following:
Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, 1651 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069
American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org
Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, www.mhopus.org
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