Cecil Cyril Kearney, age 90, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa, IA.
Cecil was born on September 4, 1935, along with his twin, Cyril, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA, to Edward and Rose (Keegan) Kearney. He grew up attending school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1955. Following high school, Cecil took banking classes in Des Moines before serving his country in the United States Army Signal Corps. On November 12, 1955, he was united in marriage to Vera Nicoletto at St. Ambrose Catholic Cathedral in Des Moines. Cecil and Vera were blessed with 2 sons, John and Don, and shared 70 years of marriage prior to his passing.
Cecil was talented in many areas and held several careers throughout his life. He began his working career at a bank in Des Moines before moving on to manage FW Woolworth stores in Ottumwa and Chariton. He owned Kearney Furniture in Albia. Cecil then joined OSCO Drug, which he eventually owned and operated, renaming it Ottumwa Drug. He also owned and operated Commercial Outfitters with his son, John, selling office furniture and restaurant equipment. In addition to these roles, he was a landlord for several rental properties. During retirement, he and his wife leased and serviced ice machines.
A man of strong faith, Cecil was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. He was also a member of the Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post #136 in Albia where he served as past Commander. Cecil enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, fishing, and having a beer on his patio with the neighbors. He liked watching Westerns and listening to country music, especially Jim Reeves and Kenny Rogers. Cecil also enjoyed playing slot machines and ticket machines and loved woodworking. Above all else, Cecil’s family was everything to him. He enjoyed family dinners, cherished the time spent with them and loved attending his grandchildren’s events.
Cecil is survived by his wife, Vera; sons, John (Geri) Kearney and Don (Allyson) Kearney; 3 grandchildren, Thomas Kearney, Sarah (Eric) Tabaka, and Rose Kearney; and a sister-in-law, Marcia Kearney. Cecil is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Rose Kearney; ten brothers, Gerald in infancy, Gerald (Kathy), John (Lucille), Bill (Betty), Vince (Helen), Cyril in infancy, Danny, Paul, Bernard in infancy, and Eddy (Jean); three sisters, Sister Mary Marsha Kearney, Donna (LeRoy) Halbur, and Marcella Rose Kearney; a niece, Sandy Gruver; and three nephews, Dave “Ronnie” Kearney, Mark Kearney, and Steve Kearney.
Visitation with a Rosary starting at 9:30 a.m. will be held until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Cecil’s family present to greet family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.
Memorials have been established to St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Albia and St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Weller.
