Donald R. Kearsley, “DK”, “The Captain”,
age 65, of Linwood passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 22,
2005.
Born in Linwood on June 10, 1940, he was
the son of the late Rayfield and Harriet Kearsley.
He was a commercial fisherman, an avid
dancer and a lover of life. During his youth he enjoyed hunting, exploring
the back bays and creeks and was an exceptional athlete. He competed in
football, swimming and track and field. He loved dogs, cars and motorcycles
and rode a Harley long before it was considered a common hobby.
Don proudly served in the United States
Army during the Vietnam War where he was a skilled helicopter crew chief.
Captain Kearlsey began working at the age
of 12 and developed a work ethic that spanned his entire life. He was a
friend to many and all. Don will be fondly remembered by his lifelong friend
and roommate Harry Lee and also by Lenny Vigue, Wayne Dilks, Mike Schall,
Tony Pinkerton and Tom Mulhern. He was famous in his own right-a true local
celebrity and had made friends along the entire eastern seaboard where he
had captained many vessels. As a commercial fisherman he worked out of Cape
May, Barnegat Light, Point Pleasant, Atlantic City, Chincoteague and
Freeport, Long Island. As a captain he knew the ocean well and was a true
rogue having once said that he taught men how to make a living. An
encyclopedia of the sea, he knew all the right spots and was famous for
going to sea in the worst conditions, running on instinct and true grit.
He spent most of his retired life doing
what he loved most, line dancing. Skilled in many dance styles he attended
every local dancing event that he possibly could. He also enjoyed country
music, concerts, roller skating and traveling and was a member of the
“Breakfast Club” at the McDonald’s Restaurant in Somers Point.
In addition to many friends, he is
survived by a cousin, Janice Kearsley of Somers Point. He was predeceased by
a brother, Raymond Kearsley and a sister, Patsy Sue Kearsley-Benjamin.
Graveside funeral services will be held
at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery in Estell Manor on Thursday,
September 1st at 9:00 a.m. where the interment will follow the services.
Arrangements are under the direction of
the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Upper Deerfield Township.
Written condolences may be sent to
www.padgettfuneralhome.com.
