John Francis Kenney, 85, of Marco Island, FL and Nantucket, MA, died peacefully on Saturday, April 28th, surrounded by his immediate family. John was born in Salem, MA, and was a graduate of Cheshire Academy and the University of Bridgeport, CT where he was a three-sport athlete. John was a veteran of the U.S Army and served during the Korean War as a detonation specialist, stationed in Oklahoma. His career in retailing spanned more than 30 years, serving as the general manager for Jordan Marsh in Massachusetts, and Kline's Department Stores in Illinois and Michigan.
John was a civic leader and deeply involved in various charitable organizations. He was an active Rotarian in Adrian MI, Marco Island, FL and Nantucket, MA, serving as President of the Marco Island Rotary, and was a Paul Harris Award recipient. John took numerous trips internationally with Rotary, including a medical missionary trip to Poland after the defeat of communism. He was involved with Polio Plus and worked to raise money for Rotary's humanitarian causes throughout his lifetime.
John was a founding member of the Marco Island Men's Club and was on the steering committee for the JFCS Dementia Respite Program of Marco Island.
He served on the Vestry for St Mark's Episcopal Church on Marco Island, where a service of remembrance will be held on Sunday, June 17th at 1:00 p.m.
He was known for his gourmet cooking, and authored numerous cookbooks for charitable causes. John was also a master woodcarver, and honed his skills carving whales during his summers on Nantucket Island. A life-long fan of the Boston Red Sox, the Chicago Cubs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, he had a keen sense of humor, and will be remembered most for his love for his family, particularly his grandchildren. He was actively involved in all of their activities, and travelled far and wide to be a part of their lives.
John is survived by his wife, Judith and their three children, Tara Grassey (Gary) of Winchester, MA; Crane Kenney (Kelly) of Winnetka, IL; and Erica Fox (Brian), of Kennesaw, GA, and his 10 grandchildren: Jack, Ryan, Michael, Sophie, Aidan, Patrick, Clare, Emma, Caroline and Sean.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the JFCS Marco Island Dementia Respite Program, 5029 Costello Dr, Naples, FL 34103 or the Naples Humane Society, 370 Airport Pulling Rd N., Naples, FL 34104.
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