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Jacob Kenner Obituary
69, of Providence passed away on Monday, February 20th 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Known by many as founder and longtime owner of 3 Steeple Street Restaurant, Buddy was also a dedicated and respected teacher of Theater and English at Nathanael Greene Middle School, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Bryant University. An avid enthusiast and supporter of theater, music and the arts, Buddy was an athlete, reader and chicken wing eater. He was the wild haired dude running the streets of his beloved East Side and found joy operating the scoreboard at Brown home football games. His infectious spirit and deep love for community has always been a source of inspiration to all.
Loved by his wife and soul mate Maureen Farrell Kenner, his sons, Jesse and wife Ashley, Aaron and wife Rebecca, and Daniel Kenner. Buddy experienced great pride in his grandchildren Julia, Isaac, Judah, Clara, Ruby and Alice. Loyal son to Harold Kenner and Roselyn Slovin, brother to Martin and wife Liz, Alan and wife Laney, and Brian Kenner. Buddy was a devoted son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
Service will be held Saturday February 25th at 11am at Swan Point Cemetery Historic Chapel. Donations in his memory can be made to George Washington University Theatre Department, 800 21st NW, #227, Washington DC 20052 or Inspiring Minds, 763 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jacob Kenner
Lloyd Stern
January 9, 2023
Buddy Kenner was my second cousin, his mother Roslyn being my first cousin. He visited me and my wife Vicki in Minnesota during the early 70s and we thoroughly enjoyed his humor and company. My sincere condolences to his family. Lloyd Stern
Padriag Mahoney
February 17, 2020
I have thought about Mr.Kenner at least once a day since graduating middle school in 2003. He was - at the time I met him- the only positive male role model
I had. I wish he could see the person Ive become.
Sara Rapport
February 26, 2017
Dear Maureen, Alex, Jesse and I were so very sad to learn of Jake's passing. Both boys grew and learned so much at Greene in the sometimes dark and always brilliantly produced end of year plays that were all Jake! I remember those plays, and Jake humbly accepting the congrats after each, as if it were yesterday. I also remember his wit and irreverence -- talking to him at length at the Vartan "grad" for Jesse, and hoping he would stay engaged in theater in the school department forever. He was a gifted and wonderful man. Another random memory that perhaps captures his spirit: bumping into you both at Bob Dylan concert at URI. He was a local Dylan --a poet and force. Our love and support to you and family. Sara Rapport.
James Fargnoli
February 25, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. Mr. Kenner was my theater teacher and play director at Nathanael Greene, and held the same role for my younger sister. He opened up the world of theater for me to explore. I attend about three performances a year now, three more than I would if had not known Mr. Kenner. I will be making a donation to the GWU theater department in his name.
Manette J
February 25, 2017
I forgot to mention One Up! We all socialized there. So many nights of dancing and revelry. The Dynamic Johnsons! The Schemers! It was all so vibrant and fun. Great local bands, a good jukebox, good company, we were all friends. Truly a building that drew you in for good food, conversation and laughter.
I also feel that with all respect and appreciation for Buddy, it wouldn't be fair not to mention his wonderful irreverence! He was so honestly funny with his quips and frustrations...but never mean.
Life pulls us all down different paths and eventually my path led away from Steeple St (which truly was our own "Cheers" where everybody knew our names!). But that time in my life will always be a part of who I am and I am grateful to Buddy and Brian both. They hosted so many of us over the years as we grew from our youth towards adulthood. Always with love. Manette
Manette J
February 25, 2017
Oh Buddy! So sorry and sad to see this. Wishing peace and love to all of you left behind.
Buddy touched so many lives here in Providence and mine was one of them. I started working at Steeple St in the kitchen in 1980 and eventually ended up a bartender. He was so funny and kind and honest. It was fun to go to work. I always had a job at Steeple St.
Then when he went back to theater at Greene he taught theater to my nieces and nephews. All of whom loved him. He was a wonderful man.
Thanks Buddy for your many kindnesses to me and for all you did in the world.
February 24, 2017
Maureen,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Michael & Donna Porter
Irene Bates
February 24, 2017
Oh Maureen, I was so very sorry to read of Buddy's passing. I was a regular when 3 Steeple St opened. Later I got to know you. What a wonderful couple--such joy and happiness being around the two of you. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Marlaydis Torres
February 24, 2017
Mr. Kenner was one of the few educators that contributed greatly into the person I am today. As a theatre teacher at Greene, he taught me how to come out of my awkward shell and was the person who lead me to fall passionately in love with The Arts! A truly brilliant educator, Rest In Peace, Mr. Kenner....you will never be forgotten!
Robert McInnes
February 24, 2017
Jesse, Ashley and the Kenner family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May memories of happier days sustain you through your grief and may those memories honor a life well-lived.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Bob McInnes, the Executive Team, and your friends and colleagues at Mortgage Network
Lee Forbes
February 24, 2017
Dearest Maureen and family, I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ray Mathieu
February 24, 2017
During my 40 year career in Providence, I met many iconic Providence figures, Buddy was definitely one of them. During his ownership of 3 Steeple Street, it became one of the "go to" lunch places for my banker pals and myself. It is often overlooked, but Buddy and 3 Steeple were among the leaders of the nascent culinary scene in Providence. Everything on the menu was great and I still feel that the cheeseburgers were Providence's best ever. Buddy even named a burger after the legendary lawyer, Raul Lovett, who was a regular customer.
Rest In Peace, Buddy.
Thanks for the great burgers and great memories.
Padriag Mahoney
February 24, 2017
Mr. Kenner was a brilliant educator. He is one of the men who inspired me to teach and also act. He pushed me to come out of my shell and embrace my talents as a character actor. A truly fascinating and energetic person, I regret not having the opportunity to know him in my adult life. The world is a little less bright, now.
Saki Meltsakos
February 23, 2017
To Jake's family... We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Jake... We love home so so much and will miss him terribly.. Our beautiful memories of Jake will always be close in our hearts... We pray for strength for your whole family...love saki and Lena Meltsakos ( hope street pizza)
Kim + Maggie Dolan + O'Hayer
February 23, 2017
My daughter, Maggie adored Mr. Kenner at Nathaniel Greene, many , many years ago. She will be 22 in March. We wish you peace + understanding as you make your way through this life changing experience.
Mary Brennan
February 23, 2017
So very sorry for the loss. He is at peace. Will always keep Buddy in my prayers. MCB
Mari-Ellen Boisclair
February 23, 2017
Maureen and Daniel, so very sorry for your loss. Buddy brought so much joy to your lives, may all the loving memories you have help you through this sad time. My love and prayers, Mari-Ellen
February 23, 2017
Dear Mrs. Kenner, I am so sorry for your loss! You taught my daughter, Simcha, years ago at Vartan. The love and devotion you and Mr. Kenner shared stood out even then. You have our deepest condolences. Carmel
Maureen and Steven Cohen
February 23, 2017
A light went out... Rest In Peace, Buddy.
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