East Boston neighborhood mourns the lack of James “Jim” A. Kearney
By Cary Shuman
East Boston is mourning the lack of James “Jim” A. Kearney, whose lifetime of public service had a optimistic impression on individuals in schooling, enterprise and sports activities within the Eastie neighborhood and past.
Mr. Kearney, who was a housemaster at East Boston Excessive College and dean of scholars at Mario Umana Academy throughout his distinguished profession in schooling, died Feb. 8, 2028, on the age of 70.
Former Boston metropolis councilor Salvatore LaMattina respectfully described Mr. Kearney as “a real son of East Boston who bled Blue and Gold.”
“Jim Kearney was the perfect,” stated LaMattina. “He actually beloved the neighborhood and was very lively locally. He was nicely revered by the youth and was a fantastic function mannequin for them. He was a pacesetter within the Chamber of Commerce. He helped at Eastie Delight Day by way of the years. He was simply an all-around nice man. Jim’s passing is a tragic loss for the neighborhood.”
Metropolis Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata was a scholar at Mario Umana College when Mr. Kearney was dean of scholars.
“Jim was a devoted educator, mentor, and civic chief whose impression on East Boston won’t ever be forgotten,” stated Coletta Zapata. “I first witnessed his dedication to uplifting our youth as a scholar on the Mario Umana College whereas he was dean of scholars. Past schooling, he labored tirelessly by way of numerous civic organizations to serve our neighborhood. His heat, generosity, and selflessness left a long-lasting mark on numerous lives. On behalf of our neighborhood, I lengthen my deepest condolences to his household and family members, and should we honor his legacy by persevering with his mission of service.”
East Boston Excessive College Principal Phillip Brangiforte stated Mr. Kearney was extremely revered by his colleagues. Brangiforte recalled that when he was teaching baseball on the college, he introduced Mr. Kearney on board as an assistant coach of the staff.
“Jim was at all times supportive of the scholars and wished to assist them reach life,” stated Brangiforte. “The scholars beloved him. He was at all times all concerning the youngsters. I’d see Jim at many occasions in East Boston and he was so personable and good to everybody.”
Rep. Adrian Madaro acknowledged Mr. Kearney’s excellent dedication to the neighborhood and for being an individual who earned the admiration and respect of all residents in East Boston.
“Jim lived a lifetime of service and led with kindness in each function he had,” stated Madaro. “He nurtured younger individuals regardless of their circumstances, and he devoted his life to constructing a neighborhood the place everybody might get the help and care they wanted and deserved. His legacy will dwell on within the beneficiant acts of our neighbors and the generations of individuals he helped educate. He shall be sorely missed.”
Mr. Kearney was additionally identified for his legendary profession as a highschool and faculty soccer official. His elections as president of each refereeing associations intensify the excessive esteem during which he was held by his fellow referees.
In 2023, the Gridiron Membership of Larger Boston acknowledged Mr. Kearney, a former East Boston Excessive College soccer captain, for his 47 years of excellence and dedication with the John Baronian Award fir Lifetime Contributions To Soccer.
Mr., Kearney labored arduous for the profit and development of East Boston student-athletes, serving as president of the East Boston Athletic Board and chairman of the Fred L. O’Brien College Committee.
Mr. Kearney additionally served the East Boston enterprise neighborhood with distinction and beauty. He was president of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce and volunteered his service as a member of the Columbus Day Parade Committee and the East Boston Basis. He loved his connection to associates and members of the East Boston Yacht Membership.
The East Boston Chamber of Commerce stated in a press release, “It’s with a heavy coronary heart that the East Boston Chamber of Commerce conveys its sincerest condolences on the passing of James Kearney, former president of the Chamber, and a person who really embodied the spirit of neighborhood service right here in East Boston.
“His many years of labor in our neighborhood had been evident not solely within the enterprise panorama but additionally in schooling, sports activities, sports activities officiating, and lots of different areas. Jim’s contributions had been huge, and his impression left an indelible mark on East Boston.
“We lengthen our deepest condolences to his household, in addition to to the various colleagues and associates who be a part of the Chamber in mourning his loss. Jim shall be sorely missed by all. We’re grateful for his tireless efforts, dedication, and the various accomplishments which have enriched our neighborhood.”
Sen. Lydia Edwards additionally paid tribute to Mr. Kearney’s contributions to East Boston.
“Jim’s passing is a large loss to the neighborhood,” stated Edwards. “His institutional and historic data of Eastie can’t be changed. I’d usually search recommendation and consent from Jim. Could he relaxation in everlasting piece.”
Steve Haley, director of gross sales at Hilton Backyard Inn, East Boston, stated, “Jim was a fantastic pal to the resort and to the neighborhood. As a trainer and administrator within the Boston colleges, he guided quite a lot of youngsters in the proper path. He was at all times there for the children. Jim hosted lots of his features right here since we opened in East Boston. He assisted East Boston residents in getting jobs on the resort. He shall be missed.”
