Herb Kears

Beverly once pulled off the amazing. They used a pretty girl to lure a Southern Boy away from his roots and settle in their little community. North Carolina’s loss was to be their gain. Herb was always in motion. He’d build the American Legion through his and others member’s blood sweat and tears. On the day of completion, it was completely paid off. Not bad for one of their youngest members. Same goes for his house; he and his wife built it mostly by car headlight. He’d lay the bricks; she’d mix the mortar. His motivation and knowledge of getting things done came from a couple of different sources. As a boy he’d been inspired by his father, an entrepreneur who had his hands in everything from Ice to gas stations to housing. As a Marine he had fought in Iwo Jima and shared his experiences with the students at Holy Cross. Herb worked for many years as an electrical engineer for RCA David Sarnoff; he led the way in the solar energy many times travelling between Italy and the U.S. Later years found him frequenting the Golden Dawn Diner with John and his favorite waitress, Jess.

Getting back to the beginning, it was at Ruggeri’s pharmacy where the attractive Gilda “Jill” Ulissi would make Herb a sandwich. While all the girls had their eye on the distinguished southern gentleman, once she agreed to date him, Jill put an end to all that nonsense. They’d enjoy 66 years of marriage. Herb is survived by his sister in law, Alma Rae Kearns; nephews, R. Douglas Kearns (Peggy), Glen P. Roberts (Carol Jane), Arthur Roberts 3rd and William Paul Fincher; nieces, Susan Gibson, Janet Schneider (George), Bonnie Ella Lemhouse (Kurt), and Carolyn Sasse (Ted) and many great nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Tidy Needham Kearns and Paul Harrison Kearns and siblings, Elveria, Robert, Edward, P.H. Jr., Lela, Lola, Macy and Cary.

Come celebrate 90 industrious years Saturday 9-11 a.m. at Beverly United Methodist Church, 133 Warren Street, Beverly, where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Interment, Monument Cemetery, Beverly. In lieu of flowers donations to Samaritan Hospice 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton NJ 08053 or the Beverly United Methodist Church will be appreciated.