MATTHEW KEARNEY, DDS

LOUDONVILLE - Matthew Kearney, 69, of Loudonville, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2025 at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his beloved family.

Matthew was born on Valentine's Day, 1956 in Hicksville, NY to parents Vincent and Theresa Kearney. He grew up on Long Island in a large, loving family alongside his four siblings Vincent, Maureen, Joseph and Kathryn. A graduate of Holy Family High School in Huntington, NY, Matthew went on to pursue his undergraduate degree in biology at Manhattan College, followed by a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University's College of Dentistry.

Matthew spent 47 years married to his high-school sweetheart, Jeanmarie Shea. Their joyous journey began when Jeanmarie convinced their high school theater teacher to pair them as a dancing couple in the chorus of the musical Mame and the rest was history. They spent their early years in their native Huntington among their large extended families, Matthew having earned the title of 5th Shea brother from Jeanmarie's parents and seven siblings. Upon completing dental school, the couple moved upstate to launch Matthew's dental career, their new home becoming a frequent destination for their extended families in the decades that followed.

Matthew and Jeanmarie, partners in all things, learned the business together and built a thriving dental practice in Gloversville where he proudly and compassionately served the community for thirty-five years. He slipped easily into the camaraderie of small-town living. Matthew became known for his humor and genuine, generous spirit – always answering calls for help. He took on roles providing dental care to assorted vulnerable and underserved populations, served as a Nathan Littauer Hospital Board Member and President and a Sacred Heart Church Trustee.  

The pleasure Matthew found in his work as a dentist was rooted in the relationships he created with his colleagues and his patients, often generations of families, many of whom evolved into dear, lifelong friends. The community that he supported inside and outside the office supported him too. They sprung into action with an outpouring of love and practical help when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2012. Unable to continue clinical work, Matthew continued to utilize his expertise for public service becoming a Public Health Dentist with NYS Department of Health in Albany, where his humor, work ethic and experience earned him a whole new crew of friends.  

Anyone who knew Matthew knew he was BUSY. Under his watch no dish went unwashed, driveway unshoveled, home-improvement job undone or basket of laundry unwashed. Typically, these tasks and a visit to the gym were all accomplished before 8 AM. Matthew was a gifted people-person, making every day in the community another opportunity to meet new people, collect their names and life stories, before returning home to throw on another load of laundry.  

He loved music, sharing good food and conversation and traveling with his Jeanmarie. They are blessed with a close and supportive group of friends with whom they shared a lifetime of hilarity and adventures. An avid golfer, Matthew was a longtime member at Pine Brook Golf Club, later Saratoga National Golf Club, and The Country Club of Troy. More recently, he spent much of his time relaxing in Delray Beach, Florida and the small town of Anghiari, Italy where he accumulated many friends, despite the language barrier, through sheer force of charisma.

Matthew and Jeanmarie cherish their two daughters, Shannon Kearney Sarfoh of Loudonville and Kerry Kearney Healton of New York City.  Shannon and Kerry grew up in an environment filled with love fostered by their parents' commitment to them and to one another. Sons-in-law Gene and Sean earned Matthew's love and admiration over the decades they grew as a family, reaping the benefits of his example as a dedicated husband and father. Matthew is also survived by his beloved grandsons Kofi and Fynn Sarfoh. Watching his boys grow and mature into compassionate, engaged young men guided by integrity and empathy brought him endless pride and joy. Matthew was elated about the upcoming arrival of his newest grandson, Kerry and Sean's baby boy, in March 2026. His immediate family, siblings, siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many dear friends continue to cherish his memory.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, NY. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd., Loudonville, NY with Reverend James Walsh, celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Matthew's honor to World Central Kitchen at www.wck.org. World Central Kitchen is an organization that provides fresh meals to people in need on the frontlines of humanitarian, climate and community crises. Matthew supported WCK's mission and their work closely aligned with his value system.

For further information or to express a message of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.