Kearney and Onorato Family
The name Kearney usually relates to an Irish pedigree and the name Hibernia refers to Ireland. Irishmen have a long and distinguished history in Paterson and made up a large part of the silk mill and locomotive workforce, many residing in the Dublin section. The Volunteer Fire Department's Jackson Engine Company 4 (organized in 1855 with a foreman named James McKiernan) and Hibernia Hose Company 3 (organized 1869 with a foreman named James Fanning) were made up largely of Irishmen and were both located in the firehouse on Slater Street (between Mill and Jersey Streets).
The Paterson Volunteer Department had 2 firefighters named Kearney (James and Joseph), who were father and son. James became an Assistant Chief and later the Chief Engineer. Joseph. a firefighter in the Volunteer department became one of the original captains in the partially paid department in 1890. Two other Kearney's, a very common name in Paterson's Irish community, later became Paterson firefighters; Patrick (appointed in 1901 who became a Captain) and Philip (appointed in 1902). Philip Kearney was the great grandfather of a Paterson firefighter (Charles Onorato) appointed in 1991. It is not definitively known what the relationship of two earlier Kearney's (James and Joseph) were to Patrick and Philip but no definitive first degree relationship links have been found. Likewise there is no evidence linking Patrick and Philip as siblings. Philip was the grandfather of BC Charles Onorato's mother Alana and thus the he great grandfather of Charles Onorato and .
The Paterson Volunteer Department had 2 firefighters named Kearney (James and Joseph), who were father and son. James became an Assistant Chief and later the Chief Engineer. Joseph. a firefighter in the Volunteer department became one of the original captains in the partially paid department in 1890. Two other Kearney's, a very common name in Paterson's Irish community, later became Paterson firefighters; Patrick (appointed in 1901 who became a Captain) and Philip (appointed in 1902). Philip Kearney was the great grandfather of a Paterson firefighter (Charles Onorato) appointed in 1991. It is not definitively known what the relationship of two earlier Kearney's (James and Joseph) were to Patrick and Philip but no definitive first degree relationship links have been found. Likewise there is no evidence linking Patrick and Philip as siblings. Philip was the grandfather of BC Charles Onorato's mother Alana and thus the he great grandfather of Charles Onorato and .
Paterson Volunteer Department
James A Kearney born in1850 in Ireland and after immigrating to Paterson became member of Eagle Hook and Ladder Company 1, at 72 Jackson Street. He became Assistant Chief Engineer in 1880 and Chief Engineer in 1885. He did not serve in the paid department (established 1890). James occupation is listed in the Volunteer records and 1880 census as a plumber. He died August 26, 1917.
James resided at 26 Jackson Street with several other Kearney's including his brother Joseph who also served at Eagle Hook and Ladder 1 and later in PFD paid department. His brother Charles later served on Paterson Police
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Father: James
Mother: Ann Sister: Ann Brother: Joseph - served in PFD |
Bros: Charles - later served at PPD
Brother Nicholas died 1874 2 sister in-laws + nieces & nephews |
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January 17, 1886 - Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 28, 1910: James Kearney is a big baseball fan.
Paterson Press
August 27, 1917: Funeral news-clip
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Press Guardian - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
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Partially Paid Paterson Fire Department
Joseph Kearney was born in Ireland in 1852 and was the brother of PFD Volunteer Chief James Kearney (seen and discussed above). He was raised with his father James and mother Ann, and other relatives in the home at 26 Jackson Street (see list above). Joseph served at Eagle Hook and Ladder Company 1 of the Paterson Volunteer Department at their quarters located at 72 Jackson Street.
When PFD became partially paid, Joseph, no doubt based on his years of service to the Volunteer Department became the initial Captain of Truck Company No. 1 when he was appointed on March 20 1890 (never served as a firefighter in the paid PFD). He was assigned Badge 109. He died prematurely (age 47) on May 31, 1900. His occupation was listed in the Volunteer records and 1880 census as a boilermaker.
When PFD became partially paid, Joseph, no doubt based on his years of service to the Volunteer Department became the initial Captain of Truck Company No. 1 when he was appointed on March 20 1890 (never served as a firefighter in the paid PFD). He was assigned Badge 109. He died prematurely (age 47) on May 31, 1900. His occupation was listed in the Volunteer records and 1880 census as a boilermaker.
Captain Joseph Kearney
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Captain Joseph Kearney
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Fully Paid Paterson Fire Department
Joseph Kearney remained as Captain of Truck 1 when the paid department was established November 15, 1895. He received badge # 110 (photo is above). Historically he was the first Truck 1 Captain of the fully paid PFD.
August 30, 1899: Captain Kearney stricken
Paterson Daily Press
September 2, 1899: Not much info, but apparently an illness occurred
1899 News Report - Morning Call Courtesy Jim Eifler
May 31, 1900: Sudden death of Captain Joseph Kearney of Truck 1
Morning Call courtesy Dennis Morrison
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May 31 Paterson News
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May 31 Paterson Daily Press
June 2 Paterson Daily Press
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June 2, 1900: a May 31 resolution of the PFD Officers Association on death of Captain Kearney on May 31, 1899 (age 47)
June 2, 1900 Morning Call - courtesy Jim Eifler
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June 4, 1900 - Morning Call - Courtesy Jim Eifer
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Patrick "Paddy" Kearney was born in 1870. In the 1901 city directory he was listed as a saloon keeper at 220 Slater Street (note in clip below it states he never touched a drop). He was appointed August 18, 1901 to replace FF John Lair who was a LODD. In the 1904 Paterson City Directory he was listed as a fireman living at 31 Elizabeth Street. He became a lieutenant at Engine 7 on July 17, 1905 and later a Captain at Engine 7. He retired September 1, 1929.
Paterson News - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
In the 1910 Census: Patrick was listed 40 years old. His birthplace was New Jersey and he resided at that time on Madison Ave. His wife's name was Abbie Kearney and his father's and his mother's birthplace was listed as Ireland and Wales respectively. His occupation was listed as a fireman and no children were listed as living with him in 1910.
Lieutenant cap
Lieutenant Patrick Kearney - at Engine 7
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Lieutenant at Engine 7 on Gould Avenue
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Lieutenant Kearney is second from left - Engine 7 hose wagon at Gould Avenue
Lieutenant Kearney is at far right - Engine 7 on Gould Avenue
August 14, 1929: Captain Patrick of Engine 7 Kearney is granted his pension
Morning Call - Courtesy Dennis Morrison
September 14, 1929: Fire & Police Commission honor retiring FF Patrick Kearney
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October 14, 1947: Captain Kearney dies
October 15 Paterson News
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November 18, 1947: Mrs Patrick Kearney added to pension roles after the death of Patrick on October 14, 1947.
November 19 Paterson News
Philip J. Kearney: was born in New Jersey in1881 and appointed to PFD on October 13, 1902. He served at Engine Company 1 at 112 (not 115) Van Houten Street and later at Engine Company 4 on Slater Street. He was assigned to the Theater Detail in 1921 and served with that unit until his retirement.
Both parents were born in Ireland. In the 1904 Paterson City Directory Patrick was listed as a fireman living at 239 Sussex Street. In the 1909 City Directory he was listed as a hoseman of Engine 4 living at 208 Pacific Street. In the 1910 census. Later he lived on Atlantic Street. His wife was Grace E (ne Fields), and they had son Vincent J. and a daughter Alma.
Both parents were born in Ireland. In the 1904 Paterson City Directory Patrick was listed as a fireman living at 239 Sussex Street. In the 1909 City Directory he was listed as a hoseman of Engine 4 living at 208 Pacific Street. In the 1910 census. Later he lived on Atlantic Street. His wife was Grace E (ne Fields), and they had son Vincent J. and a daughter Alma.
1907 photo - Philip is listed as diver of the steam engine
February 2, 1905: FF Phil Kearney injured at firehouse.
February 3 Paterson Daily Press
1913 Chronicle story - Engine Company 1 FF Philip Kearney is second from the left
1913 Chronicle
Phil Kearney - Engine 1 1913
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Phil Kearney - 1916 Engine 4
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Phil Kearney 1936
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Phil Kearney is second from right at Engine 4 on Slater Street ~1916
Theater Detail 1936 - Phil Kearney, Charles Almroth Andrew Bruno
July 8, 1931 Paterson News
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Charles Onorato -- Mother is Alana Onorato was the grand-daughter of FF Philip Kearney.
Served as Lance-Corporal in USMC 1986-1989 Appointed May 7, 1991. Served Engine 6 Tour 4 ~ 2 years Then Ladder 2 Tours 2 & 1 Appointed Captain March 24, 2003. Covering Tour 2, 6 months at Engine 4 then Ladder 2 until 2003 Appointed Battalion Chief on February 23, 2009. Floated Tour 1, then assigned Battalion1 Tour 1, then B1 Tour 3, then 18 months in arson bureau, then Battalion 4 Tour1 Served as the PFOA President (elected 2012). Prior was vice-president. Retired: June 1, 2019 |
Battalion Chief Charles Onorato
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1991 PFD Academy - then probationary FF Michael Fleming (ultimately became a DC) and Charles Onorato (became a BC)
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FF Charles Onorato at Engine 6
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2003 Ball Book - New Promotions Section
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2016 Red Mass - Deputy Chief Michael Fleming and Battalion Chief Charles Onorato
2017 Red Mass - Battalion Chief Charles Onorato