Joseph Edward Kearney passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of family on April 16, 2013.

He was born on December 26, 1938 to Joseph Leonard & Marie June Kearney in Hanover, Pennsylvania, the eldest of their six children. After receiving his primary education in Philadelphia and graduating high school in New Jersey, he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving two terms before being discharged honorably in 1966.

Having served his second military term at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Joe thereafter made Lompoc his permanent home. He was employed at Johns Manville (later Celite) for 34 years, retiring in 2001. In the course of his life, he engaged in such hobbies as fishing and gardening, and enjoyed a diverse selection of music, from the Glenn Miller Orchestra, up through Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

He is survived by daughters Christine (married, 1 child) and Catherine (married, 2 children), his wife of 33 years, Susan, their sons Patrick and Daniel, as well as siblings Bonnie, Edward, Betsy, and John, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and younger brother Tom.

Joe's family wishes to thank Doctors Dale Ekstrum, Donna Walker, and Lawrence Reimer, as well as the staffs of the Lompoc Valley Medical Center, the Lompoc Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and Assisted Home Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during these last months and years.

Joe asked that no formal memorials or services be held; his ashes will be interred at Lompoc Cemetery District. His family plans to hold a private celebratory remembrance of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1432 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara 93101.

To those who knew and loved him best, Joe will be remembered for his generosity, wit, and endearingly "ornery" personality.

Cremation Arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.