Michael Joseph Kenney

Michael J. Kenney, Jr., age 85, peacefully passed away in Vero Beach, Fla., Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Firstborn to Michael and Gertrude (Shanahan) Kenney, Mike was born March 15, 1936, in Waterbury.
He attended St. Francis Xavier School and Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury. He attended Temple University and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1958. He later earned a master's degree in education from Western Connecticut. He began his career as a teacher at Sprague School in Waterbury. He moved to Southbury in 1968 and became involved with the Young Republicans and local government, successfully running for the office of first selectman of Southbury in 1972. Mike dutifully served the town for 12 years. During his tenure, Southbury was one of the fastest growing towns in Connecticut. Highlights of his terms include the construction of Pomperaug High School, Southbury Plaza, the town pool, and several town parks, as well as presiding over the town's Tercentennial celebration in 1973. His campaign slogan was always "I like Mike," and nothing could be more appropriate; even Democratic friends and acquaintances had a rally supporting him when he ran for state office.
In the early 1980s he became an administrative assistant to U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker, living a few years in Alexandria, VA. He returned to Connecticut to work as a commissioner on the Connecticut Department of Public Utilities Control. He was married to the love of his life, Kathryn (DiMartino) Kenney, for 63 years. They had five children, nine grandchildren and numerous beloved pets.
Mike was a member of the Lions Club, the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus. Mike loved life and people. He always lit up a room and loved being master of ceremonies. As someone once said of him, "Mike could dial up a wrong number and talk for an hour." Mike loved and treasured all his friends, both old and new, and had a smile for everyone. His passions included big band music, baseball, telling a good joke and celebrating his Irish heritage. After retirement, he and Kathryn moved to Florida where he helped administer his condo association and enjoyed playing softball and golf.
Mike is survived by his wife Kathryn and his sister, Mary Rita Phelan of Prospect. He leaves behind his children Kevin Kenney (Sylvia), Maura Stanko (John), Kara Kenney, and Martin Kenney, and daughter-in-law Ellen Kenney. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Michael, Meghan, and Erin Kenney, and Jonathan, Martha, Wendy and Sophie Stanko, and Marra and Patrick Kenney. He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Michael J. Kenney III.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sacred Heart Church in Southbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main Street South in Southbury. Interment will immediately follow at New North Cemetery in Woodbury.
Please consider a donation in Mike's name to the following: Southbury Middlebury Scholarship Fund, Southbury Needy Fund or The VNATC (Treasure Coast). The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.carpinocares.com.