John Richard Kenney
December 29, 1933 - June 04, 2026
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Obituary for John Richard Kenney
John Richard Kenney, 92, of Milton, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late James and Johanna (O’Connell) Kenney. John was a graduate of Cathedral School and Boston College High School, Class of 1951. He earned his undergraduate degree from Northeastern University in 1959 and his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1962. Upon receiving his law degree, he passed the Massachusetts Bar Examination and established his law practice in Boston that same year.
In addition to his legal career, John was dedicated to education. He taught law at Boston State College and later served as an instructor at Salem State College, where he attained the rank of Associate Professor.
John was a longtime member of the Milton Hoosic Club. Proud of his Irish heritage, John (Richard) held dual citizenship in Ireland and maintained a home on Valentia Island, County Kerry. For many years, he spent summers on the island, where he forged deep connections with family and friends. Valentia and its community held a special place in his heart throughout his life.
He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Anne (Stern) Kenney. Devoted father of Richard J. Kenney of Quincy; Stephen J. Kenney and his late wife, Dorothy, of Dedham; Michael J. Kenney and his wife, Teresa, of Lynn; Kathleen A. Jenkins and her husband, Keith, of Hanover; and Christine A. Kenney and her husband, Dave Goucher, of Nevada. He was the cherished grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of four. He was the brother of the late Mary Doherty and her husband, James, of Quincy, and the late James P. Kenney, Jr. and his late wife, Agnes.
He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, with whom he shared close and cherished relationships, and by his many dear friends.
John was a proud United States Army veteran of the Korean War, serving overseas in the Far East.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, Monday June 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours will be at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Sunday June 7, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.
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Condolences
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June 08, 2026
Bridget O Shea Valentia Island We were so sad to hear of Richard's passing. He was such a kind and gentle person. We enjoyed meeting him for a drink or chat and a bit of banter during the summer on Valentia or Portmagee. You always greeted me " Hello Cus" . Richard, you will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Kenney family at this sad and difficult time. Cus May your gentle soul rest in peace. Bridget O Shea and Tony McLarnon. Vera O Shea and Family Corobeg Valentia Island
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June 08, 2026
We will miss Dick so much. How lucky we were to be his friend. God bless his soul. John and Mary Stenson
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June 08, 2026
I can honestly say that Richard was an absolute gentleman!! From the first moment I met you in the Ringlyne in the early 90's, I ( and Seanie) have never had so much fun being verbally abused!! Whenever Richard was home, we all shared many nights together, we were lucky to have played golf, had road trips, enjoyed a few dranks, but most importantly we laughed everytime in each others company, they are some of my most cherished memories that get me through my days when needed. It was always a highlight of my year, when returning to Valentia Island, knowing I was going to meet Richard. I have had the privilege of calling him a friend, and we will forever miss him. Condolences to Richards family.
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June 08, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Kenney's passing. I first met Mr. Kenney 22 years ago on Valentia island. He was a great friend to my husband Danny Sheehan and they always made time for each other in the Ring Lyne. He was truly a lovely man and we will miss him greatly. We send our condolences to his family and wish them strength during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Geeta and Danny Sheehan.
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June 08, 2026
Deepest sympathy to the Kenney family. We are so sorry to hear about Richard's passing. He was a beautiful and kind person & we were so blessed to have had him in our lives. He will always be a part of island life. We will miss him coming to valentia. May he rest in eternal peace 🙏. All our love. Breda and Patrick Morley xx
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June 07, 2026
Cannot believe we are writing a condolence for you Richard 😢 when we were so looking forward to having you hear with us on Valentia Island. Sending our deepest condolences to all Richards family ❤️. Richard was a huge part of our family. Family occasion's we had during the month's Richard was home he would be right there with us celebrating. Richard was an amazing friend and gentleman. Aodhán and Siún will miss you so much this summer too. We all loved meeting up and going out together, so many funny stories, lots of laughter, amazing memories. This summer won't be the same in Valentia without you. Rest in peace Richard, we love you loads, Mary. Donie, Aodhán, Siún & my mum Kathleen Lynch xxx❤️❤️❤️
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June 07, 2026
I was very saddened to hear of Richard's passing. I first met Richard and his late wife, Ruth, over 40 years ago here on Valentia Island, and I had the privilege of knowing him ever since. I always looked forward to his visits, when we would share a pint or two and enjoy a long chat. He was wonderful company, and I will cherish those memories. To Richard's family, I extend my heartfelt and sincere condolences on your very sad loss. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Seamus (Baff) and Johanna O'Connor, Valentia Island
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June 07, 2026
I only became aware of this late last evening and am so sorry to learn of the passing of my friend Dick Kenny. My sincere sympathies to Christine, Stephen and all of the family. I met Dick through my Uncle Jack Mclaughlin and happily fell in with that den of mischief. Great days discussing the law (and the clients) at 11 Beacon Street, picking the occasional winner at the track, enjoying the game and the banter on the golf course, and of course sharing the occasional pint. Always good company and I was lucky to know him.
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June 07, 2026
It is with much sadness that we offer our condolences to the Kenney family and friends on the passing of your beloved Richard. Richard had that rare gift of being able to ,engage and make friends with ,young and old. Age didn't matter. He was popular and people looked forward to his arrival every summer. We will miss him very much. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
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June 07, 2026
Dick was a great friend of my father, Jack McLaughlin. They were both BC High grads and members of the Norfolk County Bar Association. My Dad was two decades older than Dick but they got along like old grammar school buddies. Golf was mostly involved but Dick was much more than that to our family. We were enthused about his getting closer to his Irish roots and enjoyed his tales of his frequent visits there. Many years ago, Dick had the foresight to join one of Ireland's top golf clubs and he always wanted us to see the "other Milton Hoosic". Our entire family was blessed to have been a friend of Dick Kenney. Jay McLaughlin BC high '63 Yardley, Pennsylvania
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June 07, 2026
Deepest condolences to the Kenney Family on the sad passing of Richard. It was an honour to have known him. He was one of life's true gentlemen. Valentia Island won't be the same without his summer visits. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. John & Mary Murphy & boys Valentia Island/Adare
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June 06, 2026
I was so sad to hear of Richard's passing . He had such an enormous presence with a devilish smile. My sincere condolences to his children. Rest In Peace Richard 🙏 xxx
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June 06, 2026
Sad to hear of the passing of my friend Richard From your garden er Thomas Kennedy Portmagee. May you rest in peace🙏
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June 06, 2026
Sincere sympathy to Richard's sons and daughters and their families and to the extended Kenney family as they mourn his passing. Richard was wonderful company, great to chat with and was the very essence of what a gentleman should be. He was very much part and parcel of the community here in Valentia from his many years visiting here to stay in the lovely home he made here. He will be deeply missed . May God rest his gentle soul and may Richard rest in peace. Mary Reidy and Dermot Walsh Valentia Island
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June 06, 2026
So sorry to hear of Richard's passing . Was thinking of him during the week , that he was due to visit Valentia soon , My Condolences to his family relatives and many friends at this sad time . We will miss your friendly chat , car parked outside the door and the Kerry flag on the window ! . God rest your wonderful soul Richard ! .
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June 06, 2026
The sad news of the passing of Richard left us all devastated. All the O 'Sullivan family considered Richard as part of the family,and looked forward to meeting him in Valentia every summer. A wonderful person who will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to all his family.May Richard rest in peace. Timmy,Mary O'Sullivan and family Celbridge and Valentia
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June 05, 2026
Sincere condolences to Richard's family on his sad passing, I will miss joining you for a pint in the Royal this summer as well as giving you guff over the bar and getting that cheeky grin and quick wit back! Thank you for the memories Sir!
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June 05, 2026
Sincerest thanks for the devoted military service you provided to the people of this nation. May you rest in peace.
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June 05, 2026
Deepest sympathies to Richard's sons, daughters, and their families on his passing. We have fond memories of Richard over the years during his summer visits to the Island, and he will be deeply missed. We always looked forward to his arrival each year. May Richard's gentle soul Rest in Peace.
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June 05, 2026
Deeply sad news of the passing of my dear friend Richard I got to know you in 85 when I moved back to Valentia when you used to stay in the Ringlyne with your dear wife Ruth and the girls while you were building your house it was an utmost pleasure to have know you and all what wonderful days, nights and laughs we had, what a truly great loss of a wonderful gentleman you will be forever missed my friend thought's and prayers to all the family in this sad and lonely time god be with you all and bless you all,an end of a beautiful era ,rest in peace Richard, my friend Seanie and Ciare the Ringlyne..
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June 05, 2026
Deeply sad to hear of Richard,s passing, We loved meeting him in Ireland every summer,a lovely gentleman with a great since of humour . Our sympathy to all of his family ROBERT AND ANN GRANDFIELD PORTMAGEE IRELAND.
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June 05, 2026
We loved Mr. Kenney. We just spent some time with him a few weeks ago...enjoying a pint (his favorite thing to do!). A lot of great memories...we will miss him. Love his friends - Damian & Michele
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June 05, 2026
I was very saddened to hear of Richard's passing. We were all very fond of him in Valentia, and he has been part of our lives for as long as I can remember. He will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Richard's family at this difficult time. We are thinking of you all on the loss of such a lovely man. May he rest in peace. Lorraine O'Connor, Valentia
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June 05, 2026
Deepest condolences to all Richards friends and family. He was a gentleman of the highest order. Someone who you would delight in meeting when he visited Valentia. This summer will be a darker one with his absence. Sean, Stephanie & Sadie Foran Valentia Island
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June 05, 2026
To Richard's family , my sincere condolences on your very sad loss. Valentia is mourning today and sharing many happy memories of your dad.
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June 05, 2026
God rest your soul my dear friend may you rest in peace 🙏 until we meet again David and Hazel reardon and family
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June 05, 2026
Richard you will be missed in Feighmane and Harrow. Rest In Piece 🪽 James Caplice, The Benjamin and Ryan families
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June 04, 2026
Kathleen, Christine & family - Wishing you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
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