Paul F. Kenney

Paul Francis Kenney of Norwood passed away at his home peacefully on April 4, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was 76 years old.

Paul is survived by his wife of 52 years, Catherine (Foti) Kenney, lovingly known as the Fabulous Coco, and their three children: Kate and her husband Christopher Nutting of Norwood; Adam Kenney and his wife Marci of Hingham; and Evan and his wife Martha Boisselle of Beverly. Paul was a loving grandfather, Da, to five grandchildren: Reese Kenney, Jaxson Kenney, Waylon Nutting, Olivia Nutting and Cosette Boisselle. They will forever remember his love and how very proud he was of each of them. Paul is survived by his brother, Jack Kenney of Las Vegas, NV and his sister, Patricia Nyan of Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Thomas Kenney, Sr.

Paul lived an extraordinary life filled with love and compassion. He was a highly respected trial attorney, a devoted husband, a much-loved father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. Paul had a special bond with Christine Bentley Wells who was his legal assistant for 45 years, beside him for most of his legal career. She was dedicated to him and was blessed by him and his loving family.

Paul was born on July 17, 1948, the youngest of four children to the late Thomas and Mary (Sullivan) Kenney of Mattapan. Paul’s father, a Boston Police Officer, passed away when Paul was just two. Being so young, Paul did not realize how this pivotal moment in his life would influence the man he would become. Paul talked proudly and lovingly about his mother, Mary’s, strength that enabled her to raise four children as a single mother. He was forever grateful for her support and that of his older siblings. Paul worked his way through school and became the founding partner of his own law firm that has been very successful in representing victims and their families with personal injury claims throughout Massachusetts.

Paul graduated from Catholic Memorial High School (1966) and the University of Massachusetts (1970). He received his law degree from Boston University Law School (1974), where he developed an affinity for trial work. Paul began to develop his trial skills as a legal intern in the office of the Norfolk County District Attorney. After graduating from law school, he accepted a position as an attorney with the Massachusetts Defenders Committee. In 1978, he was invited to join the firm of Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, where he concentrated in trial work. There he developed additional specialties in civil litigation, medical malpractice, wrongful death and other complex personal injury litigation.

In 1985, Paul started Kenney, Conley, Sullivan & Smith, P.C., a general practice law firm, where he continued his litigation practice. Together with his very dear friend and partner, Mike Conley, Paul segued to Kenney & Conley, P.C., where he concentrated on litigating catastrophic injury cases in the state and federal courts.

This past December, Paul celebrated 50 years of being an attorney. There was nothing else that he would have wanted to be doing; he was at his finest when he was conducting cross-examinations during a trial. Over the course of these 50 years, Paul represented people from all walks of life that were suffering and needed his help. He resisted saying no to anyone and was always ready to fight the good fight.

Paul was very proud of the firm that he led and was always eager to teach, mentor and support every member, attorneys and staff alike. Paul created a legacy at Kenney & Conley, P.C. that will continue for generations to come.

Apart from the practice of law, Paul had also served as the Chairman of the Board of Caritas Communities Inc., a non profit corporation that provides safe and affordable housing for working men and women throughout greater Boston.

Paul loved to go on long walks in the Arboretum and practice yoga and meditation. He was a lover of books, cinema and music. He authored three novels and, together with his close friend, Jim Brady, founded Kinvara Productions, a multi-media entertainment company created to enlighten and uplift through novels, music, art and films.

Paul left this world much too soon and our lives will be so much different without him. But we will focus on the gifts that he gave us and allow him to show us the way.

Services from the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rt. 1A), NORWOOD on Friday April 11 at 10 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 547 Washington Street, Norwood at 11 o'clock. Visiting Hours in the Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-7 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy be made to an organization close to Paul’s heart, the ACLU, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization which does not accept government funding and never charges clients for legal representation. Donations may be mailed to ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts, One Center Plaza, Suite 850, Boston, MA 02108.