Fund set up to help after East Rockaway native killed in accident

Friends and family of Shawn Kearney have set up a fund to make sure his family can plan for the future.

Kearney, a Wantagh resident with roots in East Rockaway, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Labor Day weekend in Bellmore.

An East Rockaway High School Class of 1988 graduate, Kearney worked as an IBEW Local No. 3 electrician. “He was an avid fisherman and golfer, and a devoted son, husband and father,” said his sister, Shannon Kearney.

“We hope to use this page to unite as a community … to make sure that Shawn’s children have every opportunity to carry on his legacy of hard work, kindness, humor and generosity, in a safe and secure home where their mom can help them mourn and remember their dad without worrying about the high costs of planning for the future,” said Shawn’s friend, Erin Burnett Bianco, who created the gofundme Internet page. “Together, we can help pay for the basics, funeral costs, the things that Shawn worked hard on around the house, and childcare, so that the tomorrows for the Kearney family are filled with love and good memories, and not just worry.”

Shawn is survived by his wife, Francesca and four children ages 12, 11, 9, and 7. He is also survived by his father, Charlie (ERHS Class of ‘65), stepmother, Peggy (Class of ‘70), and sisters Calla (Class of ‘92) and Shannon, Class of ‘98). He is also survived by his mother, Cheryl Hay, a longtime Oceanside resident, and nine nieces and nephews. Kearney was predeceased by his brother, Ryan, whom also attended East Rockaway High School

To contribute to the fund, visit http://www.gofundme.com/er2xc0