John F.C. Kenney Jr.

John F C Kenney, Jr, 90, of Alexandria, VA, passed away after a brief illness at the Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. He was predeceased by his brother William Kenney and his sister Doris Mahaney. John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marie E (Koed) Kenney, his daughter Catherine M Hale and her husband Richard A Hale of Alexandria, VA; his daughter Mary E Brenner and her husband Matthew C Brenner of Onancock, VA; and his grandchildren, Colleen M Brenner, M Ethan Brenner, and Zachary J Brenner.

John was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 19, 1926, to Francis (John F. C., Sr.) and Doris Kenney. He graduated from Wellesley Senior High School in 1943, and entered Boston College for Pre-Med Studies. He enlisted in the Army later in 1943, where he trained as a Medical Soldier, then Surgical Technician, and served at the newly formed Evacuation Hospital in Fort Lewis, WA. At this time he decided that he was meant to be a soldier, and not a physician, and transferred to Officer Candidate School. He completed Airborne Training in July 1945, and served in Europe until 1946. He returned to Boston College and joined the Massachusetts National Guard. He met and fell in love with Marie Koed of Wellesley, MA. Their wedding plans were postponed for 4 years by his appointment as Cadet, United States Military Academy at West Point, class of 1952. John graduated from USMA, June 3, 1952, and he and Marie married the next day.

John served 32 years as an Army Airborne Infantry officer. He earned a BS in Engineering from USMA, and an MA in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. He served in many leadership capacities in the States as well as Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, and Dominican Republic. His last assignment was as Director, Army Tactical Data Systems and Tactical Communications, before retiring June 30, 1975 to his much-loved Alexandria, VA. During his career, John received numerous military awards, chief among them the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Legion of Merit with Two Oak Leaf Clusters.

In retirement, John was a consultant to the Department of Defense and small business owner, an active participant in local politics and neighborhood organizations, an usher at St Mary’s Catholic Church, and an enthusiastic golfer.

For many years, John was the executive director of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory Board, and president of the Korean War Veterans Foundation. His time, effort, and passion culminated in the building and dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial that we have on the mall today.

John will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, with arrangements by Demaine Funeral Home in Alexandria. (Funeral date will be posted on Demaine's Memorial website when determined.)