Leo was devoted to Open Door clients
THE family and friends of the late Leo Kearney are distraught at his recent sad death after an illness.
Leo was a native of Wicklow town and lived in the house in which he was born. It was there his family brought him for friends and neighbours to say goodbye prior to his funeral.
Leo worked at Open Door Day Centre in Bray for over a decade. He was utterly devoted to the clients, and will be sorely missed by both them and all of the members of staff. They were a second family to him and the centre remained closed on the day of his funeral, as a mark of respect to their friend and colleague.
Leo was a wonderful son to his late parents Leo and Maureen, and will be so very sorely missed by his wife Parawi, his siblings Catherine, Maria, Aidan and Evelyn, and his entire extended family.
The 54-year-old loved Wicklow and loved to be close to the sea. He was a keen swimmer and hill-walker.
Leo was very good to his parents. Following his dad’s death in 1992, he looked after his mother tirelessly.
Everyone who knew him will remember a person with a fantastic sense of humour. He was a fantastic mimic, hilariously funny, and extremely bright and well read, with a brilliant memory.
He was a great satirist and could poke fun at political current affairs, with his sharp mind and deep understanding of the political environment.
While Leo wasn’t blessed with children, he was very close to his nephews and nieces. He introduced them all to his favourite music, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles. When they would go to granny’s house, Leo would be there to quiz them on their knowledge.
He would play football with them in the garden and was just the best person to have around. He loved them all and treasured all of the time he spent with them.
He found happiness with his lovely wife Parawi three years ago and, sadly, they only had two years of married life before he was so cruelly taken away from her.
The couple had planned so many things to enjoy together in the coming years.
Leo put his soul into his work at Open Door. He was always in great form and absolutely loved his work.
He was a massive Leinster rugby fan and his hero was Brian O’Driscoll.
At his funeral service, his family brought up a number 13 jersey, as well as a Pink Floyd album, to remember the simple things that Leo enjoyed so much.
His funeral took place last Thursday at St Patrick’s Church in Wicklow, before interment in Rathnew Cemetery.