Michael Edward Kenney

Michael Edward Kenney
October 10, 1931 – July 9, 2020

Three years ago, Michael Kenney moved from Philadelphia, PA to resided with this son and daughter-in-law in Durham, NC. He soon came to love all that downtown Durham had to offer, becoming a regular at The Mad Hatter Café and Bake Shop. His daughter-in-law’s family, both in Durham and Philadelphia, had knighted him Sir Michael as a title of respect and endearment. Sir Michael was hailed as the senior member of the family and was the celebrated guest at all family events, and he loved it.

He traveled back to Philadelphia regularly to visit his other son and daughter-in-law, and his two granddaughters. Having been a widower, he met a special lady friend in Philadelphia before moving to Durham. They then traveled back and forth maintaining their beautiful relationship. She was with him during his final days offering her love and support, which eased his mind and filled his heart.

Born in Jersey City and raised in Bayonne, NJ his parents, Robert Kenney and Agnes Kilkelly were of humble means. Being the oldest of four boys, he set out to work at an early age to help support the family. One of his jobs was shining shoes on Saturdays in a shoemaker’s shop. The owner always had the radio tuned to the live broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera. From that he developed a lifelong love of opera, his favorite, La boheme.

Upon High School graduation from Bayonne Tech, he enlisted in the Marines. After serving four years, he was honorably discharged ranked as a Master Sergeant. He returned to Bayonne and, thanks to the G.I. Bill, attended night school at Jersey City State College and then graduated with his B.S. degree from Rutgers University.

One night at a dance in Bayonne he met Mary Ann Bonomo. Not long after, they were married in 1955. In 1958 and 1960 they brought forth each of their two sons. The family moved to suburban New Jersey, followed by a short time in upstate New York and then set down some roots in suburban Philadelphia.

The majority of his working career was in the steel industry as a Materials Manager procuring raw materials for the manufacturing of high-grade stainless steel. His career took him onward to live in suburban Chicago, New Castle, Indiana and then back to New Jersey. Upon retirement, he and is wife moved to Murrell’s Inlet, SC.

Following the death of his wife in 2011, he moved to Philadelphia to be close to his two sons and their families.

Michael Edward Kenney is survived by his son, Mark Edward Kenney and wife, Dr. Kelley Kenney, (Allentown, PA) and his two granddaughters, Olivia Kenney (Tacoma, WA) and Elena Kenney (Baltimore, MD); his son, David-Michael Kenney and his wife Laura Leigh Barbour (Durham, NC) his step- granddaughters, Martina Barbour (Yanique Millis) and Liliana Barbour (Chuck Wisniewski) plus step-great granddaughter, Mia Rose Wisniewski, all in Philadelphia; his extended Durham family of Chuck and Kathy Barbour, Melissa (Barbour) Watkins, Josey (Barbour) Miketa, Melissa Miketa and Matthew Miketa. And his partner and love, Mary Ann Fordyce of Philadelphia.

Extended family across the country includes Nephews, Joe Angelo (Ann), Thomas Angelo (Suzanne), Ken Reed, Bill Kenney (Karen), Rob Kenney; Nieces Karen Kenney-Smith, Cathy Kenney, Lisa Kenney (Gene), Sharon DeGregory (James), Mary Lynn Dunne Kenney (Patrick); Sister-in-laws, Barbara Kenney, Margaret Kenney-Boyer. Plus numerous grand/great nieces and nephews

Michael was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann (Bonomo); and his three younger brothers, Robert, William and John Kenney.

Thank you to Duke Hospice for their excellent guidance and care enabling Sir Michael to be at home.

A very special thank you for the love and support of Hillcrest Home Health of the Triangle. Marvin McNeil, Cynthia Holloway, Roby Winston and Marilene Almeida Tigre.
At a later date his urn will be placed in the Washington’s Crossing Veterans’ Cemetery in Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. A service will take place at that time and be announced in advance.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to support Certification Training of frontline caregivers.

At this time, throughout our country, there is a shortage of CNA's. Your contribution is not tax-deductible but will go directly to assist with the costs of fully certifying individuals in a temporary nurse's aide program. Dad had great caregivers. More are needed. Thank you for contributing in his name." Make your Contribution payable to: Hillcrest Convalescent Center
Mail to: Hillcrest Convalescent Center, 1417 W. Pettigrew St., Durham, NC 27705 Attention: Roxanne Benz. Memo Line on your check: Michael E. Kenney