September-October 2025 Obituaries

Oct. 1, 2025

Gary Kearney

Gary Kearney, 72, of Lacey, Wash., died on field at the World Championships due to a cardiac arrest.

     It was a great shock to everyone as Gary, a 70+ Major player on Enviro-Vac Marauders 70s (WA), collapsed mid-game in the dugout at Cheyenne Sports Complex on Sept. 22 in North Las Vegas.

     Directors rushed over with defibrillators as the paramedics were called.

     “Thankfully two nurses from the stands, with more experience than us, grabbed the AED and put patches in place,” said field director, Larry Zocchi. “AED shock was administered to Mr. Kearney [and] the nurses started CPR and continued until paramedics arrived.”

     Sadly, nothing worked, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

     “I’m overwhelmed by the support and encouragement expressed by softball players he played both with and against,” said his wife, Katey, who was with him at the fields and in the back of the ambulance.

     "Gary did so much for senior softball in Washington State," said SSUSA Washington State Director, Butch Jones. "He put a team into almost every tournament I ran. My deepest condolences to his wife, Katey, and family."

     Gary started with Senior Softball USA in 2005, playing and managing numerous Northwestern teams.

     “Gary was one of my best friends in softball. I always looked forward to seeing him and his amazing smile and kind heart,” said Fran Dowell, executive director of Senior Softball USA.

     “He and Katey have brought so much joy to my heart and I am deeply sad for everyone, what a huge loss. Rest in peace my friend, Gary; you have been an awesome friend in my life,” added Fran.

     In addition to senior softball, he was also an avid golfer, making friends in both California and Washington.

     In senior softball communities, Gary will best be remembered playing with WE Ruth Realty 55s (WA), later Goodman Racing 55s and 60s, Oregon Crabs 65s, Enviro-Vac Marauders 70s and managing Goodman Legends 65s (WA).

Charlie Larkin

Charlie Larkin, 64, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., died Sept. 20 after a long battle with an aggressive form of melanoma.

     Charlie joined Senior Softball USA in 2012, last playing in a tournament in April.

     He was “a beloved senior softball player whose passion for the game and unwavering loyalty to his teammates left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege to share the field with him,” according to the Pompano Beach Senior Softball League.

     “Charlie taught us that true greatness isn’t measured in batting averages alone but in the way we support one another,” according to the league’s statemant.

     “Charlie is known throughout our sport and is a loss for us all,” said Terry Hennessy, chief executive officer of SSUSA.

     Outside of senior softball, he loved his family and football, a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan who grew up playing football.

     Charlie will best be remembered in senior softball for playing with Florida Automated Shade 50s & 55s, Ameriprise FL. Legends 55s, Sunshine Sluggers/Team Mars 60s (FL) and Florida Legends 60s.