Stephen P. Kenny

Stephen Kenny Obituary

KENNY, STEPHEN P.

Stephen Kenny died May 10, 2003 doing what he loved, flying a fighter jet. His parachute failed to open after he ejected from an A-4 Skyhawk near Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake, Utah

He was born June 5, 1960. The Ogden, Utah native graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1982. He was in the top 3% of his class with a degree in systems engineering and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi.

Steve spent seven years as a Navy pilot flying F-14s. For the last 14 years, he served as a Delta Airlines co-pilot and captain. He also worked for Afterburner, Inc., and ATSI. He resided in Atlanta and was a member of the Catholic Church.

Stephen's trademarks were his Irish wit and charm and his constant smile. He set the gold standard for reading, debating, investing and physical conditioning. He also was a superb tennis player.

Above all else, he was committed to his family and was always there for them. His true children were his 10 nieces/nephews.

On the morning after the tragedy, soft rain was followed by a brilliant rainbow over Antelope Island. Stephen, we'll accept this vision as your message all is well.

He is survived by his father, Philip S. Kenny of Utah; mother, Faye Kenny of Utah; three brothers: Timothy (Tracy) of Alexandria, VA; Patrick of Utah and Michael (Theresa) of Alexandria, VA; one sister, Caitlin (Greg) of Utah. He also had many friends who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Joseph High School, Steve Kenny Memorial Fund, 1790 Lake St., Ogden UT 84401. Funeral services are May 19, 11 a.m., St. Florence Church, Huntsville, UT. A celebration of his life is May 18, 6 to 8 p.m., Larkin Mortuary, Ogden, UT. Internment Ogden Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on May 15, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Kenny

6 Entries

Roberto N. Nang, MD

June 11, 2025

Most every June, with the warmer weather and the beckoning call of summer fun ahead, I remember and think about my friend, Steve.
Steve and I share the same birth month and when we were younger, shared some great coming-of-age memories, as we grew up in the picturesque mountains of Ogden, Utah.
We both loved to learn and compete, both in grades and on the tennis court. I played singles and Steve and his brother, Tim, were a stellar doubles team for St. Joseph's High school. Steve was also a varsity basketball point guard and had the highest free throw percentage on the team. This was a distinct advantage whenever there were close games.
When it came time to pick which amazing universities to go to, Steve and my brother, Perry, influenced my choice greatly. They both motivated and encouraged me to consider the military academies. Steve was a big champion of the US Naval Academy and Perry always talked about the US Air Force Academy. Both went on to graduate from both schools, respectively.
I chose the US Military Academy at West Point. Though Steve and I rarely saw each other as we went on to our busy military careers, while we were cadets, we both made it a point to meet briefly after each Army-Navy game in Philadelphia to catch up with each other. That was when I learned from him that he was already taking flying lessons at the USNA and that he wanted to be a fighter pilot. Steve did just that. Once he set his sights on something, he would study and work very hard to make his dream a reality.
Although I learned about Steve's passing many years ago, it was only a few years ago that I found and read his online obituary. It is beautifully written, and I can picture the beautiful rainbow scene over Antelope Island the day after Steve passed on.
It's another beautiful June day in 2025. I think about Steve. I think about the great life that he had: the competitions on the tennis court, his military and flying career, his service to the Navy and our country, and his love for his family. I'm certain that his family always remembers him, his zest for life, and his big Cheshire cat grin.
Come next June, I will think and remember again, my good friend, Steve.

Roberto N. Nang, MD, MPH, MSS
COL(R) U.S. Army

John Dearie, Captain (retired)

May 20, 2003

I too had the privilege of knowing Steve at Delta, having had the pleasures of training him and flying with him on the line. There was no finer pilot or more outstanding young man. Each time I encountered him he sincerely inquired about my son who followed him at the Naval Academy. I am greatly saddened by his tragic loss, and extend my deepest sympathy to his remarkable family.

Dennis Stubsten

May 20, 2003

I had the privilge and honor to have Steve as my co-pilot. Our short times together will always be remembered for the talks we shared. My deepest condolences to your family, may God bless you and keep you, as I know he will Steve.

Dennis Stubsten

Captain 777

John Barnes

May 20, 2003

I regret that I never had the privilidge of knowing Stephen. As a Navy A-4 pilot and retired Delta Captain I recognize an unusally talented, remarkable person when I read of one. Please accept my upmost condolences for his very tragic loss. God bless him

Soho Restaurant

May 16, 2003

Your "family" here at Soho will greatly miss your smile, kind words and friendship. Thank you for letting us be part of your life.

God Bless.

The Staff of Soho.

James Murphy

May 15, 2003

Steve we will always remember your passion for excellence in life.

Murph

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