1949-2026
Charles R. Kearney age 76 of Brockway, PA; passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at his home. Chuck was born on February 25, 1949 to his parents Leslie R. and Flora Nelle Patton Kearney at the Maple Avenue Hospital in DuBois, PA.
He graduated from the Brockway Area High School with the class of 1967, where he served as Vice President of Student Council and was a member of FFA. He achieved the Keystone Award, the highest FFA state degree. Upon graduation, he attended Clarion University, where he earned a BS in Education with majors in social studies and geography. After college, he was a substitute teacher in DuBois and Brockway, worked at Brockway Agway, and ran the family dairy farm for 38 years. He also drove school bus in Brockway for the Moore Brothers.
He is survived by his wife and college sweetheart Linda Bracco Kearney. They were married 54 years ago at Hebron Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills, PA on June 12, 1971. In addition to his wife, Chuck is survived by his children: Robert C. Kearney of Brockway; Richard L. Kearney (Jeanne Marie) of Rockford, MN and Debra June (Maria) Kearney Merritt of Treasure Lake, and their three sons Lennon, Sid and Reed; a sister Ellen June Cummins of Martinez, GA; a niece Lisa Anne Cummins of Lincolnton, GA; a nephew Charles Cummins and family of Curwensville, PA; a brother-in-law William Robert Bracco (Dianne) of West Mifflin; nieces Amanda Lynn Snyder (Chris) of Seven Fields, PA; Tiffany Marie Donahue (David) of Finleyville, PA and Courtney Dianne Alokonis of Munhall, PA and all of their children, as well as by numerous cousins.
In addition to his parents Chuck is preceded in death by his older brother Robert L. Kearney, in-laws Richard J. and Vada Ilene Bracco; brother-in-law Martin R. “Skip” Cummins; a nephew Wayne Michael Bracco and an infant sister Carolyn Kearney.
Anyone who knew Chuck was aware that he was a kind, quiet, humble man who loved God, his family and being out in the beauty of nature. He was happiest on his tractor plowing a field, bailing hay or harvesting a crop. He especially loved working alongside his father, brother and sons through the years on the family farm.
Visitation will be on Monday, January 12 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. in Brockway. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Victor Baxter and Rev. Terry Felt officiating. Burial will follow in the Beechwoods Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
