JOHN KENNY

JOHN KENNY 05/18/1933 - 09/15/2025 John Earl "Jack" Kenny, 92, a longtime resident of Lancaster, Mass., and most recently of Leominster, Mass., passed away on September 15, 2025, after a long period of declining health. Born in Cicero and raised in Berwyn, Ill., he was the son of the late Joseph and Evelyn Kenny. He was also predeceased by his beloved sister, Joan Kenny, and brother, Robert "Bob" Kenny. In his youth, John was a championship roller skater and judge, earning many medals and even designing skating moves still in use today. While stationed in Japan, he had the honor of representing the U.S. government in the 2nd All-Kanto Roller Skating Championship, performing before the Empress and members of the Japanese royal family and winning first place in his division on May 4, 1955. A proud United States Army veteran, John served during the Korean conflict in the Signal Corps, stationed in Japan. He remained dedicated to supporting fellow veterans as a member of the American Legion. After his military service, John attended Illinois Institute of Technology on the GI Bill, studying engineering. He then worked as a manufacturing program manager at Raytheon Corporation for many years, overseeing projects such as the Tartar D radar system and the Sea Sparrow missile. His career also took him and his wife Beverly abroad to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he represented Raytheon to NATO countries and traveled extensively throughout Europe and Scandinavia. John was an active and devoted member of his church. He loved skiing, building models, motorhomes, and traveling. He could design, build, and fix anything - skills he passed along to his sons. John and Beverly also ran a successful Amway business for many years, developing a broad network of friends and colleagues. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Beverly Kenny of Leominster; his sons, Timothy Kenny and his wife Debbie of Lancaster, and Joseph Kenny and his wife Kathy of Westborough, Mass.; and his cherished granddaughters, Samantha Kenny and Sydney Kenny, also of Westborough. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss him dearly. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Leominster Campus team and all of John's doctors and providers for their compassionate care and support. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson Funeral Home, Leominster. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family of Nazareth Church, 750 Union Street, Leominster, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. A private military burial will take place at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to smiletrain.org, a cause that John cared about, or to a charity of your choice in John's honor. Flowers may be sent directly to the funeral home. John will be remembered for his dedication to family, country, church, and career; his quiet manner and thoughtfulness; his stories of life and military service; and the kindness he shared with all who knew him.