Xaverian Missionaries Statement on the Passing of William P. Kearns

WAYNE, N.J. - April 1, 2016 - PRLog -- The Xaverian Missionaries mourn the passing of philanthropist William Patrick (Bill) Kearns who entered eternal life on March 28, 2016 in Palm Beach County, Florida.

The Xaverian Missionaries are especially grateful to Mr. Kearns and his wife Rosemarie who predeceased him on July 15, 2008, for the donation of their family home in Wayne, NJ, in 1967 to serve as the Xaverian Missionaries' USA  provincial headquarters.  For his generosity, he was designated an Honorary Member of the St. Francis Foreign Missions Society by the General Council in Rome, in 1970. He also served in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami and was on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities.

Fr. Carl Chudy SX, Provincial Superior, issued this statement:  "The Kearns family will always be an integral part of the Xaverian Missionaries.  We now share in the emptiness and pain of their loss but we also share in the knowledge that Bill's life, a life of service dedicated to the Gospel, will now be crowned by eternal life with Jesus."

Fr. Frank Grappoli SX, Provincial Treasurer remembered fondly, "I had the good fortune to be here at Helene Court in the mid 60's when the Xaverians began to live in the home that William P. Kearns gave as a memorial of his father, Francis Xavier Kearns Sr.  I had the joy of seeing the whole family, Bill and Rosemarie with their eleven children, a few times in their visits here from Florida. Bill and his wife were very sweet and joyful people.  The memory of Bill and his wonderful family will be with me forever."

Bill Kearns is continuing his legacy of love by designating the Xaverian Missionaries as a favorite charity to insure that his compassion will continue after his passing from this life.

The Xaverian Missionaries remain with the Kearns family in this time of grief, and share in the conviction of everlasting life for Bill.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.  Amen.

http://www.xaviermissionaries.org