Joseph William Kenneally

In Loving Memory of Joseph William Kenneally
July 25, 1950 – August 12, 2025
Formerly of South Boston and West Roxbury, Joseph "Joe" Kenneally passed away peacefully
on August 12th, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous
battle with lung and brain cancer.
Joe is survived by his devoted, loving wife and best friend of 55 years, Marie "Val" (Hayes)
Kenneally. He was the beloved father of Susan Kenneally and her husband Bryan Van Dorpe of
South Boston, and Valerie Hogan of West Roxbury. He is also survived by his son, Joseph, and
his wife Cinda, of Florida.
Joe was a loving grandfather to Morgan Vitiello and her husband Fran, Hailey Newcomb,
Matthew and Ryan Hogan, Brendan Toland, and Lilly Kenneally. He was a proud Papa to three
great-grandchildren: Mya Frazier, Jameson Buccanon, and Frankie Vitiello IV.
He was a cherished brother to the late Paul and Eunice Kenneally, and to Jimmy and Audrey
Kenneally. Joe was also a proud uncle to Jason, with whom he shared many joyful trips to
Disney alongside Audrey and Jason. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Joe also leaves behind his lifelong friend and sidekick, Bill "Butchie" Lynch, and his special
Florida family: Shirley, Alysha, Thomas Klein and Chris Page.
A proud veteran, Joe served in the U.S. Army ASA in Cu Chi, Vietnam, from 1970 to 1971.
Following his military service, he proudly and respectfully wore the uniform of the Boston Police
Department for 35 years, serving with honor and integrity. Throughout his career, he worked
alongside many great colleagues, including his late "brother in blue," Frank Jankowski.
Joe retired from District 4 (D-4), where he spent much of his distinguished career.
Joe cherished family vacations with his children and grandchildren to Aruba, Disney, Oak &
Spruce, Sesame Place, Santa's Village, Story Land and Texas. He found great joy in spending
time with loved ones and caring for his beloved German Shepherd dogs. He especially looked
forward to "Goula" weekends and Halloween celebrations down the Cape.
A fan of The History Channel, Joe loved watching Airplane Disasters, Ghost Adventures, Pawn
Stars, MASH*, and of course, The Three Stooges. He also had a soft spot for his favorite treats
- Devil Dogs, Goldfish Crackers, Table Talk Apple Pies, Mountain Dew, and Bud Lights.
Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Tomas McCormick, owner of the Irish Village,
and his manager, Cailin, for the unforgettable memories made there. Sláinte!
Joe will be dearly missed and forever loved.
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We also wish to express our deepest gratitude to the staff at the VA in West Roxbury and
Jamaica Plain, as well as Beth Israel Deaconess, for their exceptional and compassionate care.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours at The Casper Funeral Home, 187 Dorchester Street, South Boston Tuesday August 19 from 2:00-7:00P.M. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in The Gate of Heaven Church, Wednesday at 10:00A.M. Military Honors to follow at South Boston Vietnam Memorial.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory can be made to:
South Boston Special Kids & Young Adults
P.O. Box 27073136
South Boston, MA 02127
or
The South Boston Vietnam Memorial
c/o Rockland Trust
708 East Broadway
South Boston, MA 02127