Dr Kevin Patrick Kearney

He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Garren (Gregory) and Marichrist Benitez; his sister, Kathleen Kearney; nieces Theresa Vozzolo (Emilio) and Carla Citarella (Brett); as well as grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen T. and Cornelius J. Kearney, and his brother, Cornelius P. Kearney.

Kevin was born on January 11th, 1950, in upper Manhattan, NY. He graduated high school from Cardinal Hayes in 1968 and went on to acquire multiple degrees. He attended Staten Island Community College, New York University, Cornell University, the University of Madrid (Spain), and Gregorio Araneta University (Philippines), where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in Manila.

Kevin lived a full and adventurous life. He accumulated multiple black belts in Karate, drove horses and carriages through Central Park, studied ants at the American Museum of Natural History, trained pigeons for various movie sets, ran with the bulls in Spain, swam with sharks in the Philippines, backpacked through Europe, appeared as an extra in films, and was a member of the Staten Island Islanders motorcycle club.

Kevin’s proudest professional accomplishment was his veterinary practice, Mountain Top Animal Hospital, in Hensonville, NY. He was considered a true healer of animals, loved by his clients, patients, and staff. He never refused treatment of an animal for financial reasons and would even spend nights at his practice to monitor sickly patients. He was also known to open his home to stray or unwanted animals. Some of his fondest cases included repairing a broken wing on a falcon he dubbed “Fearless Falcon,” restoring a snapping turtle’s shell, and successfully operating on a severely injured deer.

Kevin eventually retired to Florida. He could often be found perched by his kitchen window, cigarette in hand, listening to music or Reddit stories on YouTube while watching the wildlife in the canal of his backyard, accompanied by his dogs—Bob, Shiloh, and Maximus. He also enjoyed feeding peanuts to squirrels, eating potato knishes, and spending time with friends and family.

He will be remembered as a humorous, gentle, loving, and humble man whose kindness and empathy touched both individuals and animals around the world. He will be immensely missed, but his loved ones take solace in knowing that he received a warm welcome at Rainbow Bridge.