Emmett John Kenny

Emmett John Kenny, 89

Averill Park - Emmett John Kenny, 89 years old, died peacefully on April 4, 2014 after a short illness.

Born in the town of Feduff, County Armagh, Ireland on July 4, 1924, he was the son of the late Michael Kenny and Annie McGronan and brother to Irene Kenny, Anna Faux, Alvina (Venie) Hennessey and Michael Kenny.

Emmett began working as a welder in the Belfast Shipyard in Northern Ireland. He then traveled to England where he apprenticed as a bricklayer before arriving in the United States through Hoboken, New Jersey on March 17, 1948. He resided in New York City for four years during which time he met and married his "angel on earth", his wife of 63 years, Margaret Mary Feeley. Emmett continued his life long career as a brick mason for JB Kelly in New York City and the Bricklayers Union Local #2 in Troy, New York. As a member of the local Union # 2, he served as both a union secretary and treasurer. As treasurer, Emmett was a driving force in starting the pension fund for union masons, subsequently becoming a trustee of the fund. He was an artisan of his trade. One can find a bit of Emmett's work in the Chrysler Building in New York City and many buildings and institutions throughout the Northeast. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia. He attended Hudson Valley Community College for Construction Technology & Real Estate Law. Involved in his community, Emmett was a long time member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and a Boy Scout leader for Troop 526 in Averill Park, New York. As a young man, Emmett was an avid bicyclist and clocked many miles throughout Ireland and England on his Raleigh 3 speed. Upon retirement in 1986, Emmett became an avid golfer. If he wasn't playing it, he was watching it. He volunteered at many PGA tournaments. He was also a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.

Emmett was survived by his loving wife Margaret, his sister Irene Kenny, his devoted brother-in-law Brother Francis Feeley, CSC; his cherished children, Patricia (Steve) Empie , Maureen (Mark) Delaney, Irene (Michael) Graven, John (Elaine) Kenny, Kathleen (Dave) Higley, Michaelene (Tim) Kelly and his twelve treasured grandchildren, Nora, Sarah, Aidan, Mairead, Sean, Kayla, Breige, Allison, Laura, Alex, Deaglan, and Eamonn. Most importantly, Emmett was a devoted husband and father who spent his retirement years, along with Margaret, enjoying the many activities of his family.

The family extends their deep appreciation to the compassionate staffs of St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, New York and the Eddy Heritage Rehabilitation Center in Troy, New York.

Relatives and friends may call at St. Henry's Church, 39 Old Route 66, Averill Park, New York on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 4-7 p.m.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Henry's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Thomas F. Holmes, Pastor. Interment will be in St. Henry's Cemetery, Averill Park, New York. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Emmett John Kenny to St. Henry's Church PO Box 550 Averill Park, NY 12018.

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