Machinist's Mate Third Class

UNITED STATES NAVY

Robert Dennis Kearney was born on August 23, 1941, in Glen Ridge, N.J.  He attended Columbian School in East Orange, N.J., until he moved with his family to Denville, N.J., in 1951.

He was graduated from Main Street School, Denville, in 1956, and from Morris Hills Regional High School, Rockaway, N.J., in 1960.  While in high school, he studied building trades and was a member of the Visual Aids Club.

Bob's hobbies were fishing, hunting, swimming, ice skating, boating, and reading.  He was active in Scouting as a Cub, Boy Scout, and Explorer; and he particularly enjoyed overnight camping.

He received his First Holy Communion at All Souls Church in East Orange and was confirmed at St. Mary's Church in Denville.  During his high school years, he was active in the Catholic Youth Organization of St. Mary's Church.

Bob had a paper route until he graduated from high school when he went to work as a short-order cook at a drive-in restaurant in Morris Plains, N.J. He was promoted to night manager before joining the Navy in May 1961.

Having completed his recruit training at Great Lakes, Ill., Bob volunteered for submarine duty and was graduated from Submarine School.  On December 25, 1961, he became engaged to Miss. Patricia Slawuta of Glen Ridge, N.J.; and they planned to be married on his next leave.  He was assigned to the Thresher on March 16, 1962.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hubert J. Kearney, and a sister, Arlene, of Denville, N.J.  He also leaves a grandmother, Mrs. George Kearney, of East Orange, N.J., and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cochrane, Sr., of Bloomfield, N.J.