Kearney L. Hillard, 88, of East Fallowfield, PA, passed way peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Brenda K. Hillard with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Leroy Hillard and Evelyn Druckenbrod Hillard.

Kearney was a lifelong area resident and a 1955 graduate of New Holland High School.

A man of remarkable skill, he built the family home with his own hands—a lasting reflection of his hard work, resourcefulness, and deep devotion to those he loved. He found peace and happiness on the water, spending a decade boating and making treasured memories with family and friends. His love of bluegrass music was never far from his heart, and whether playing his mandolin or simply enjoying a familiar tune on his guitar, he found joy in music and the fellowship it inspired. These passions reflected the kind of man he was—steady, genuine, and happiest when creating, sharing, and spending time with the people he loved.

As a kid, Kearney really liked horses which eventually led him to purchasing his first riding horse. Early on he began a career in carpentry but soon his love of horses led him to becoming a part time farrier.

In the beginning of his life-long career, he shod Amish and Standardbred horses and also covered a lot of training race tracks. Kearney also did work with the New Bolton Center and later Delaware Equine which led him to being hired by clients across the country and around the world. He was honored at the Devon Horse Show as their official farrier and was given the title "Shoer to the stars" after one of his horses won the 1976 Olympic Gold Medal in show jumping.

He had a lifelong love of fox hunting and remained active in the sport throughout his life, riding with many local hunts and, in his later years, enjoying the fellowship and traditions of the Bellwood and Kimberton Hunt Clubs.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by his children, Alana (Jeff) Reimold and Allen Hillard, both of New Holland, PA; step-sons, Bryan (Lea) Kerns of Checotah, OK, Curt (Stacy) Kerns of East Fallowfield, PA, and Dwayne (Jaclyn) Kerns of Marietta, GA; 12 grandchildren, Brooke, Jeffrey, Heather, Steven, Jessica, Josh, Kourtney, BK, Dalton, Colby, Riley, Sophia; 15 great-grandchildren; his beloved niece, Sandy Price; and his special lifelong friend, Larry Miley, whose unwavering trust, endless laughter, and cherished memories have made every chapter of Kearney's life richer and more meaningful. He was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Hillard.

The family sincerely thanks Penn Medicine Hospice nurses, and staff for their compassionate care, kindness, and support. Their dedication will not be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Hunt is being planned and will be announced at a later date.