The public is invited to attend a memorial service on behalf of Gary Kearney, beloved friend and custodian at Hopkinson Elementary School in Rossmoor.
His friends will gather together at the school at 12582 Kensington Rd., Rossmoor, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.
There will be light refreshments, speakers, and a release of doves to commemorate one whose devotion reached above and beyond his duty.
At a later date, a bench will be placed at the school site along with a tree that will be planted in Kearney’s honor.
Gary Kearney grew up in Orange County and lived with his parents, two older sisters, Linda and Jeanette, and his older brother Michael.
As a child he began to appreciate nature in every way. Kearney worked at a bird farm and at one time even had a pet alligator, which his mother was not too fond of.
He began working for the Los Alamitos Unified School District in 1979 when he was 18 years old and came to Hopkinson in 1980.
Everyone could see that Kearney was certainly more than just a custodian for the school grounds; but he was a caring and genuine participator in the education of the hundreds and even thousands of students who spent their years at Hopkinson. He assisted the school staff in every way possible, with efficiency, but more importantly, with enthusiasm.
His love of learning, laughing, and “getting the job done” were the hallmarks of his 32 years at Hopkinson.
He worked very hard each and every day and even donned costumes as he participated in school plays.
His most memorable role was when he played Willy Wonka in a recent school production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
The students loved his willingness to do whatever it took to give of himself and not count the costs. He was terribly nervous to be on stage … but he did it for the kids … and they knew it.
The parents at Hopkinson recognized his service many times over the years and recently rewarded him with a VIP Award.
Kearney was a Very Important Person, with amazing amounts of energy who jumped to the needs of the parents of our community.
In the teachers’ lounge, he was famous for his authentic guacamole.
The entire staff always knew that Kearney was at their service, with a smile and often a joke to break up the day and put a smile on everyone’s face.
Kearney retired at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year, leaving an ache in many hearts.
It came as a big shock to learn of his passing in March.
He will always be in the hearts of the school community of Hopkinson.
Anyone who would like to make a donation on behalf of Kearney’s memorial tree and bench may make a donation through Friends of Hopkinson.
Write Gary on the memo of your check.
It can be mailed to or dropped off at the school site or even brought to the memorial event on April 20.
