So sorry to find out about the passing of my good friend Chris.  We were classmates at William Paterson University in the Ed Leadership program.  I pray that Chris will Rest in Peace.  A great man!

As I write about Chris my heart is heavy... It has taken me some time to put to words what I can say about him.
        For all of us who knew Chris, he will be remembered as a kind and gentle man.  A loving husband, a wonderful father and a devoted grandfather....a brother's best friend.
         To me he wasn't just my cousin but a dear friend, a "brother "
who I could always count on for a laugh or an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on.
            Our mothers were the best kind of sisters and we were the best kind of cousins.... always available when you needed a kind word or some advice.
             Chris did the eulogy when my mom died... such a difficult task....but as only Chris could, it was done with love,grace and humor.
               The baton was now being passed from one generation to another.  That generation gone too soon and now part of my generation, my cousin, "brother " and friend certainly gone too soon.
                My love, support and friendship will always remain for those left behind....my "sister" Suzanne and her loving family and my cousin and friend, Charlie.
                  Chris once told me he was "paying it forward " from his family to mine... How I will miss that kind and gentle man.

                Love, Margaret


I worked with Chris as a colleague in Madison for four years and fondly remember him as being gentle, patient, supportive and kind. He was an excellent listener and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He spoke fondly of his family and looked forward to spending his retirement with them. He loved his grandchildren, and when he spoke about them his face would light up! Chris was taken too soon from this earth. My sincerest condolences go out to the family. Chris will forever be in our memories and hearts.

I was fortunate enough to work with Chris Kenny for over 10 years at Madison High School. Chris ALWAYS put the needs of students first and foremost.  He always kept his cool and was always willing to lend a helping hand
He was compassionate, kind and generous. 
 I will always remember the amazing speech he gave at his retirement party at Charlie Browns in Chatham. It was gracious, funny and humble.
 I just learned that Chris won an award for his work as a substitute teacher in Kansas. I’m not surprised. 
I’m proud I knew Chris as a colleague, mentor, and friend. 

 My deepest condolences to his family that he absolutely loved to the moon and back. 


Chris was such a kind and thoughtful person. I loved working alongside him in Madison. It was a sad day when he retired, but he was so excited to spend more time with his grandchildren. My heart breaks for his family. His wife, children and grandchildren were his whole life, he was so proud and spoke of them often. Chris was a great man, gone too soon. He made such a positive impact on those who knew him and he will be greatly missed. 

Chris was one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I enjoyed many a conversation with him in special services.  My love goes out to all his family at this sad time. He will always be in my fondest memories. 

While I only knew Mr. Kenny for a few years, I will always remember the kindness and hospitality he extended towards my daughter, Harmony and me.

“Big Chris” will never be forgotten. 

My prayers and thoughts are with the entire Kenny family. 

Christopher had such a warm & welcoming spirit.  We are blessed to have known him for the season that God placed us in each other’s lives.  He will always be remembered for his graciousness shown toward us & receiving our daughter Sophia into their family.

Chris - a great guy, a guy’s guy, a friend, a leader, Kansas Jayhawks, a supporter, a thinker, a problem solver, smile, easy to talk to, I enjoyed everyday working for/with him, will be missed by everyone he came in contact with, a role model, somebody to try to emulate. Thanks for EVERYTHING. 

Those we love don’t go away. 
They walk beside us everyday. 
Unseen, unheard, but always near. 








Chris was a very special educator who loved our kids, empowered so many to succeed. His work, love for and dedication to the Special Olympics was inspiring.  God bless you Chris💜 you touched us and will live forever in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

A great, great man who will be greatly missed. I am heartbroken.  My deepest condolences to the family and especially to the grandchildren, a role he truly relished. I love you like a brother and will miss you.

I had the pleasure of having Chris as supervisor and colleague.  I am a special education teacher at Torey J Sabatini  School in Madison.  I have to express that Chris was always positive, supportive, and willing to do whatever was need to aide a student with special needs.  He was committed to their success in this world.  He was so effective in assuring the special needs  students  at the high school  were  placed in the right job settings, and he was   There to support them in many Ways to achieve success.  Chris will be missed so much. He has a special place in the hearts of many in Madison.  Teachers honor his commitment and dedication to the students he assisted and guided over the years. .  He will  truly remembered always.  .  Rest In Peace.
Carolyn  Rommeihs . 

Chris Kenny was not only my colleague, he was my friend.  As supervisor of Special Services in Madison he had all the important qualities of a good leader; he was smart, resourceful and always approached a situation with endearing compassion, putting students and teachers first.    We were supervisors working collaboratively, combining ways to bring the very best practices into our classes. Chris was always willing to hear my opinion but never gave up until I heard his.  By virtue of his steady leadership, Chris brought consistent and fair resolutions to some very difficult situations – he was a true problem solver.  His leadership in Madison brought far-reaching positive consequences, and I am sure those continue to touch the lives of hundreds of students.  Every Monday morning I would ask Chris if he had a good weekend – he’d respond with his usual big smile and say, “They are all good.”  On the day I retired, Chris surprised me by showing up after being at a conference all day. He always found the time to demonstrate his support and appreciation for his colleagues and friends.  I will always remember his love for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City and his week-long “wearing-of-the-green”.  I will remember the proud smiles when he showed me his grandchildren's pictures and how he spoke so lovingly about his own children.  I won’t forget the picture he sent us when he and Suzanne took off for Kansas – so happy – so content.  And I will look back on those days we laughed so hard when things seemed so impossible.  But for now I will wrestle with a heavy heart, because I wanted Chris to stay here much longer and continue to enjoy his retirement with his loving wife, children and grandchildren. 
May you all find comfort in the memory of his love for you and the life he lived so well. 

I am so saddened by the passing of Chris. I had the pleasure to work with him for many years when he worked at the Madison School District.  He was an amazing supervisor- the “glue” that kept the special education Junior School teachers on track and motivated. He encouraged us to be our best and led by example. He was always an advocate for his teachers and his special needs students.

Chris was an amazing educator,  colleague and friend. Chris always put the students at the forefront of his decision making process.  As a colleague and friend, Chris had an amazing sense of humor and 
was alway looking to help in any way. Chris was so proud of his family and spoke fondly about retirement in KC. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  

Mr Kenny was a kind and gentle person with such a positive attitude.  I am sad to hear that he has passed so soon after his retirement.  Strength and prayers to his wife and family.   

I am so sorry for you loss. Chris was an amazing teacher and supervisor. He had a positive impact on me when I worked  for him at Pathmark and then again working with him in Madison High School where he took really good care of his students and their teachers enabling all of us to do better.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 

Cousin Chris,
I’ll always remember the times at camp when you always looked out for your younger cousin. Very special times especially at Christmas visits.  Just know we’re all here for the family.  Rest In Peace cousin. 

We had a good time when we were adding that dirt around the house and you told me how to trim back the bushes so I could get to the hose

I had the pleasure of knowing Chris for over 25 years  I first met Chris in San Francisco in 93 at the nea convention then Chris joined us shortly at Madison high  Chris was a very caring and wonderful person who genuinely loved working with children and his colleagues I am deeply saddened  by Chris’s death. My deepest sympathies to the family and all who knew him Paul mueller

When I met Chris I was immediately taken by his warm smile and bright, eyes. And I knew where Betsy’s gentleness came from that moment. 

I had the privilege and honor of working with Chris at Madison High School.    I could always count on  his friendly smile and positive attitude.     It  saddened me so to hear of his passing as I knew he deserved much more retirement time with family and friends whom he loved.   A kinder, gentler soul is difficult to find and he will be missed.  My deepest condolences to his family.   Just know that his legacy reaches far and wide.

Chris was a respected colleague and good friend. Working together in the Special Services department in Madison, he was unfailingly upbeat, positive and kind. He had the rare talent of always being able to see things in a clear and calm manner and to figure out the solution to any problem.
At school,  he cultivated so many friends who were drawn to his warmth, humor and generosity of spirit. His students regularly sought him out because of his easy rapport with them and consistent encouragement.
Chris was so proud of his children and all of their accomplishments. He was thrilled to welcome their spouses into the Kenny family and cherished their family vacations at the Jersey shore. And, of course, he was totally enthralled by his grandkids!!
Chris always shared with me the latest cultural or civic activity that he had remarkably discovered in the Kansas City area! I am so sorry that he did not have more time to enjoy his retirement and spend time with his loving family. 
He will be missed. I hope that the many happy memories bring comfort in the days ahead.

Dear cousin, you will be missed by so many people but especially your beautiful family. I have such wonderful memories of childhood summer visits and more recently weddings and Ocean City visits.  A truly good person who lived a life filled with love and happiness. His family has a new “angel” watching over them. Sending love to everyone during this difficult time.

Suzanne, what a beautiful couple you and Chris have always been, and what a beautiful family you have made! I cannot comprehend what a loss this is for you and your family. In the short time that I’ve known you, I have been so impressed with the love and care that Chris had for you and your family, not to mention his students and neighbors. I’m so glad that I knew him and so very sorry that he has gone. Much love to you and your family. 

Chris was one of the finest people I have had the pleasure to know. He cared deeply about people—his students, his family, his colleagues. His work with Special Olympics changed so many lives. I am so sad—I know how much he looked forward to retirement so that he could be with his grandkids. I will miss you Chris. My heart goes out to his wife, children, and grandchildren at the very difficult time.

OBITUARY

Christopher Matthew Kenny

January 9, 1955 – November 5, 2019

McGilley State Line Chapel

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