South Boston Obituary: Edward F. Kenney, 104, WWII Veteran and Retired Boston Firefighter
Edward F. Kenney passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on August 18th, just days before his 104th birthday. Born and raised in South Boston, Ed lived a long and remarkable life rooted in love, service, and community.
A proud member of the Greatest Generation, Ed served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard LSTs during World War II in both the Pacific and European theaters, including on D-Day. After the war, he married the love of his life, Mary T. (McDonough) Kenney, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised five children: Mary Kenney of Jamaica Plain; Edward Kenney Jr. of South Boston; the late Jeanne Mullin of Dorchester and her husband Steve; Patti Walsh of Scituate and her husband Frank; and Caroline Kenney of South Boston.
Ed was the devoted son of the late Hannah Kenney, a loving brother to his six siblings, and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. He also proudly served the City of Boston as a firefighter, working on the fireboat and Engine Company 1, where he was affectionately known as “Nick Kenney.” He and Mary lived in Dorchester and the Cape before returning to their beloved South Boston.
Family was always at the center of Ed’s world. He delighted in the simple joys of life: time with loved ones, Irish music, a cigar on the porch, and the laughter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His five grandchildren—Kristen (Mullin) Connolly and her husband Rob, Stephanie (Mullin) Mason and her husband Tom, Ryan Mullin and his wife Morgan (Boushka), Caroline (Walsh) Small and her husband Jack, and Alana (Walsh) Woods and her husband Colin—brought him endless happiness. His later years were blessed with ten great-grandchildren, who adored their Great Papa.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ed’s life with visitation in the O’Brien Funeral home 146 Dorchester St South Boston on Friday August 22nd from 4-7pm. Funeral Mass in St. Brigid Church 841 East Broadway South Boston on Saturday August 23rd at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester. For directions and guest book please visit www.obrienfunerals.com
Maureen Dahill is the founder of Caught in Media. Once a longtime wardrobe and prop stylist for brands such as Rue La La, TJ Max & Hasbro, she is a devoted lover of vintage clothing, Martini Mondays, Castle Island, AND a 4th generation South Boston native. Mother of three, married to Peter G.
CONDOLENCES to your family! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! My Uncle, Jim Ford , worked on the Fire Boats. I am sure you knew him.
This is my dad, Ed. He lived an amazing, long life! WWII including DDay and a Boston Firefighter. Also the most humble and kind person I have ever met. Loved his family, his faith and his country. He will be greatly missed! ❤️🇺🇸
Patti. Our family is so sorry to hear about the loss of Ed (Papa). What an incredible man. Isaac still remembers getting to attend his 100th Birthday Celebration. Sending your family so much love.
Always tell people about him when I show my Blinstrubs pictures. Sorry for your loss.
Dear Caroline. Sorry to hear about your father’s passing. He was an amazing person. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Your in my thoughts and prayers
With deepest sympathy
Mary Ellin