61-40 Woodhaven Blvd
1955, A. F. Meissner

Thomas Kearns Sr. started his funeral business in 1900 in Brooklyn, and expanded to Queens in 1926. He worked with his sons, and built a parlor in South Ozone Park and later in Rego Park.

In 1950, the design of the new Long Island Expressway slated their location at Woodhaven Boulevard and 60th Ave. for demolition. Thomas Kearns Jr. purchased a new lot a few blocks south, and hired architect A.F. Meissner, who had designed Kearn's Richmond Hill branch, an innovative award-wining design that maintained the efficiency required for a funeral home.

The slightly curved structure has stone veneer, limestone trim, concrete, brick, among other new materials. The interior features wood panelling, glass and metal details. Meissner also designed the landscaping surrounding the parking lot, as well as a wood frame addition. It was awarded first prize and a bronze plaque from the Queens Chamber of Commerce for the best commercial structure of 1955.