October 15, 1955 – August 11, 2026

David Kearney passed away on August 11, 2026 surrounded in love by his family and an army of friends.

He was born October 15, 1955 in Pequannock New Jersey, where he began a life long obsession and love of all things flora, fauna and mineral, with not a toad, turtle or rock safe from his exploration. He ventured out of NJ as a young man, exploring many areas of the states including a stint in Alaska working on the Pipeline, and eventually found the way to his personal heaven on earth, South Lake Tahoe. He distinguished himself working there as a Firefighter and long time member of the Kirkwood Mountain Ski Patrol. After many years he rejoined the Forestry Service again as a Hydrologic and Watershed Management Technician, to play an integral part in protecting the stunning natural beauty of the lake and mountains he loved so much.

It is impossible to describe a life as big as David’s within a few paragraphs. He spent his lifetime pursuing all the things he loved including skiing, diving, hiking, mountain biking, rock hounding, mushroom hunting, traveling the world and spending time with all his friends and family. Quoting one of his favorite lines and how he embraced life was ‘this Powder Day could be your last!’ His absence will leave a hole within this world that cannot be filled.

David was preceded in passing by his beloved wife Barbara Berezin. He is survived by his girlfriend and partner in adventure, Terry Lillenfield as well as his siblings, Janet Peterson, Donald Kearney, Susan Kearney, Patricia Musho, and Katherine Kearney,

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Nature Conservatory http://www.nature.org/en-us/.