Edward “Ed” Francis Kennelly, 82, of Monroe, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 18, 2018, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Married for nearly 60 years, Ed considered Mary Ann (Vidic)—his “bride,” as he fondly referred to her—his greatest joy. He will be forever remembered as the patriarch of a large and lively family and a man of contagious energy, sense of humor, and wit.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ann (Vidic) and five children: Cindy (Gregg) Russo of Naugatuck, CT; Linda (Bill) Thompson of Wakefield, RI; Karen (Rich) Fournier of Southborough, MA; John (Amy) Kennelly of Cheshire, CT; and Kim (Steve) Swanat of Oxford, CT. One of his greatest legacies is his 15 grandchildren, who cherished him: Melissa (Daniel) Acosta, Mikael (Cristina) Russo, Daniel (Sean) Russo, Morgan Mary Russo, Jenny Thompson, Kelleigh Thompson, Scott (Emily) Thompson, Ryan (Zoila) Fournier, Aly Fournier, Danielle Fournier, Paige Fournier, Owen Kennelly, Aliza Kennelly, Matthew Swanat, and Rebecca Swanat. He is also survived by his beautiful great-grandchildren, Savannah & Kylie Russo and Clare & Will Thompson, in addition to the Acosta family twins expected this summer.
Born on May 25, 1935, in Waterbury, Ed was the son of the late Maurice and Bridget (Shugrue) Kennelly. He is survived by his brothers Rev. Daniel V. Kennelly and Joseph (Judy) Kennelly, his sister Nancy Habelka, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, John Kennelly, and his two sisters, Irene Sullivan and Mary Conlon.
He graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Danbury State Teachers College (Western Connecticut State University), and then received a Masters Degree from the University of Bridgeport. For over 38 years, Ed dedicated his life to educating the next generation as a math teacher in Bridgeport. His lasting impact on students came not only from the mathematics he taught, but also the value of hard work he instilled. This is a value he passed on to his family, always leading by example.
A true sports aficionado, Ed was a dedicated Yankees, Giants, and Rangers fan. He could often be found supporting local hockey and baseball teams, relaxing at home with a ballgame on, or rattling off sports trivia to friends, family, and strangers alike.
A special thank you to his neighbors, Chris and Susan Shea for all the kindness and friendship they showed to Ed over the years. His smiling Irish eyes and profound presence will be missed dearly by all who had the opportunity to bear witness to his big personality and warm heart.
A visitation for Edward will be held Thursday, March 22, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike , Monroe, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, March 23, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Church , 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT. Burial will occur Friday, March 23, 2018, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Road, Monroe, CT.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Ed's memory be sent to Blessed Sacrament Parish, 275 Union Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06607. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com for the Kennelly family.
