Joseph Thomas Kenney Sr. passed away peacefully March 17, 2025, at his home in Little Silver, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born April 30, 1937, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Joe thrived in the loving embrace of his parents, brother and large extended family whose firm foundation was built on their Catholic faith. Joe attended New Bedford High School and enjoyed his summers sailing at Tabor Academy. Throughout his life, he loved reading, sailing, golfing and following his favorite teams. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he developed a lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother and the rosary.
Upon graduation, Joe moved to New York City, earned his MBA from New York University and soon began a distinguished 37-year career as an equity portfolio manager at Merrill Lynch. He also served as a reservist in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1966. At Merrill, Joe was a mentor and friend to many. He cherished those friendships and nurtured them for the remainder of his life.
While living in New York, Joe met and fell hopelessly in love with Eileen Gannon. They married May 4, 1963, moved to the New Jersey shore and together raised a family of eight children: Mary Eileen Baltes (Mike) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; John (Mary) of Wayzata, Minnesota; Joseph (Darrah) of Rumson; Anne of Little Silver; William (Dorothy) of Rumson; Teresa Sperber (Paul) of Rumson; Gerard (Stephanie) of Rumson; and Patrick (Jill) of Fairfield, Connecticut. Joe’s dedication to his family was absolute. He was the essence of a devoted husband and selfless father.
Before moving his family to Yardley, Pennsylvania, Joe was a co-director of the athletic program at Holy Cross School in Rumson and also served as the varsity girls basketball coach. In Yardley, he was a member of the Trenton Country Club and a board member of the Riverside Symphonia. The enduring friendships from these days brought immeasurable joy to his life.
Joe and Eileen were blessed with 25 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He delighted in his time with each and every one of them. Known as “Grampy” to the children, his freezer was always stocked with homemade cookies. He never missed a sacrament, a game, a school play, an ice cream date or an opportunity to gently rib those who dared to stray from his Red Sox and Fighting Irish. Each grandchild felt special in his presence.
Joe lived his faith in times of celebration and sorrow. He was known for bringing comfort to family and friends with a homemade meal, a pound cake and the promise of prayer. He was a man of impeccable integrity and he led a life of quiet, uncompromising example.
Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, Eileen Gannon Kenney; his parents, Teresa Westby and John Duff Kenney; his infant brother John Duff Kenney Jr.; his daughter-in-law Elizabeth Ann (Hudak) Kenney; and Eileen’s sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Peter E. Warshaw.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, his grandchildren and his great-grandchild. He is also survived by his beloved brother, William W. Kenney of Norwalk, Connecticut, Eileen’s cherished brother and sister-in-law, William J. III and Rosemary D. Gannon of Chatham, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 22 at Holy Cross Church, Rumson. Friends and relatives were invited to visitation March 21 at Holy Cross Church.
The article originally appeared in the April 17 – 23, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
