Frederick H. Kenney III

Waltham - Fred Kenney’s interests were as varied as his talents. He loved a ride on the open road and fresh air on one of his Harley Davidson motorcycles. His lifelong passion for music motivated him to teach himself to read sheet music as well as take up various instruments including the guitar, saxophone, piano and harmonica. A lover of all things outdoors he loved a great hike perhaps one of his many walking sticks which he carved and whittle. 

He really was a jack of all trades with projects often on hand. Aside from being a skilled plumber and having worked for Chase and Tolan Plumbers in Watertown, in earlier years he was a talented crafter working for King’s Upholstery. Fred will be remembered for his love and devotion for his family, unique fashion and poems he would write to his beloved Nancy and his care-free attitude of ‘you only live once’.

Fred died Thursday, November 27, 2025 in Newton-Wellesley Hospital after a period of failing health and illness. He was 67.

Frederick Hurd Kenney III was born January 7, 1958 in Waltham one of four children of the late Frederick H. and Anna Rose (Corracio) Kenney, Jr. Raised in Watertown he graduated from Watertown High School with the Class of 1976. He married Waltham native Nancy E. Carroll on November 8, 1986 in Sacred Heart Church.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, Nancy, he leaves their children, David L. Kenney (Amanda Graves) of Jacksonville, Florida, Cassandra R. Kenney of Waltham, Catherine A. Janikian (Hatim) of Orange and John G. Kenney (Amanda Smith) of New Ipswich; his granddaughter, Lucine 'Lu' Janikian; his siblings, Geraldine Carchedi (Anthony) and Cynthia Poole (Tom), all of Ashland and Brian Kenney in New Hampshire; in-laws, George and Kathleen (Walsh) Carroll and Donna Delorey, all of Waltham; nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Fred’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, December 4th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday morning where his Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at a local cemetery to be determined.