Robert F. Kenary

Robert F. Kenary, 61, of Vernon, and formerly of East Hartford, died tragically on Thursday, (August 6, 2009) from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was the devoted husband of thirty-eight years to the late Mary-Anne (Rager) Kenary. Born in Worcester, MA on October 9, 1947, a son of Anne 'Peg' (Hughes) Kenary and the late Francis R. Kenary, he had resided in East Hartford for thirty-eight years prior to moving to Vernon two years ago. Bob was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran serving in the Vietnam War and retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air National Guard after twenty-seven years of service. Bob joined the East Hartford Police Department on March 4, 1974 and rose through the ranks to Commander. In 1997, he was promoted to Commander of the Criminal Investigations Bureau where he remained until his retirement on March 16, 2007 after thirty-three years of dedicated and faithful service to the town of East Hartford. Commander Kenary took particular interest in the protection of children from abduction and molestation, as he gave presentations throughout the state and country. Bob was recognized by many federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies commending him on his knowledge, compassion, and expertise in law enforcement matters. Bob was a member and past president of the East Hartford Exchange Club, along with being involved with East Hartford ChildPlan, Inc. and the Connecticut Children's Trust Fund. Bob was an avid motorcyclist and was recently employed by Gengras Harley Davidson of East Hartford. Bob was also a very talented illustrator and was recognized throughout the world for his artwork. Bob will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Besides his mother, Peg, of Worcester, MA, Bob is survived by his two sons, Brian F. Kenary of East Hartford, Sean F. Kenary and his fiancé, Natalie Johnston, of Vernon; a special granddaughter, Kelly A. Kenary of Stafford Springs; a brother, David F. Kenary and his wife, Heidi, of Tolland; two sisters, Ann Marie Rhieu and her husband, Stephen, of Holden, MA, Jean Gaucher and her husband, Jeffrey, of Worcester, MA; his mother-in-law, Marion Rager of East Hartford; several nieces, nephews, co-workers, and friends. Funeral services will be Wednesday,August 12 at St. Rose Church, 33 Church Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Wednesday morning. Burial with military honors will follow at Veteran's Memorial Field-Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Tuesday, August 11 from 4?8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert's memory may be made to East Hartford ChildPlan, Inc., 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT 06108. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www. desopo.com.