John Matthew Kenny

John Matthew Kenny, 79, passed away on April 29, 2026, after a full and joyful life, surrounded by family and friends. He was born to Ida and Joseph Kenny in Refugio, Texas, on September 21, 1946, and soon moved with his family to San Antonio, where he grew up as the second of seven children.

John attended Central Catholic High School and St. Mary’s University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a reputation for such easy charm that he could “make friends at a toll booth.” Those sparkling blue eyes and his genuine warmth carried him far, and as his sister-in-law Carol once said, “John never met a stranger.” He could step into a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and make it feel as though they had known each other for years.

His first and only child, Meagan, was born to John and his first wife Linda. They lovingly co-parented her and instilled a curiosity about the world, enriched by their travels throughout Europe and his appreciation for diverse cultures.

His lifelong passion for travel led to a chance meeting at an airline ticket counter, where he met Lynn McMillan. They bonded over a love of music, art, and travel. They eventually married in 1989, in the home they remodeled together. Their marriage was marked by an enduring devotion and throughout, took loving care of each other.

John’s gregarious spirit was complemented by a quiet, steady generosity, expressed not in grand gestures but in the time and care he gave to others. He shared his love of music with his grandchildren, teaching Alex on his guitar and dancing with Evie to her favorite songs—gifts of musicality they now carry forward in their own lives. With Meagan, he often volunteered quietly and served meals to people experiencing homelessness at St. Vincent de Paul. One of his greatest joys was coaching youth sports; during Meagan’s elementary school years he poured his energy and encouragement into the CYO and Holy Spirit soccer teams, helping them learn the game and believe in themselves. To friends and colleagues alike, John was a thoughtful and generous soul who loved everyone, judged no one, and treated every challenge as an opportunity to strengthen relationships.

Professionally, John wore many hats—marketer, salesman, homebuilder—but the work he loved most was with the San Antonio Housing Trust. Named executive director in 2000, he led a city agency that financed homes and apartments for low and moderate income residents, helping to build a strong public private partnership model.

Over nearly twenty years, his efforts helped produce more than 6,500 affordable houses and apartments for San Antonians, earning the respect of developers and public officials for his skill and deep knowledge of housing and community needs.

Throughout his life, John’s greatest joys were sailing, traveling and being with his family. He first learned to sail, at age eleven, on Aransas Bay in a little 10 foot Boston Whaler, and later graduated to a larger boat on Canyon Lake where he spent happy days on the water with Lynn, Meagan, his grandchildren, and dear friends. From time to time, he chartered bigger boats, exploring the islands of the Caribbean, the coasts of Greece, Italy, and other shores in the Mediterranean. Wherever there was water and wind, John felt completely at home.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph T. Kenny II and Ida Ross Loman Kenny. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his daughter, Meagan Moll (Chris); and beloved grandchildren Alex and Evie. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Gorham Rose of Massachusetts and Anne Kenny Hayden of San Antonio; his brothers Joseph and Pat (Carol) of Florida, Tim (Sara) of Nebraska, and Paul (Molly) of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews who adored their uncle.

John and his family express their deep love and appreciation for his doctors, nurses, and caregivers, especially Joanne, Brianna, Diana, Norma, and Dr. Patel, who walked closely with him and Lynn in his final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in John’s name be made to the Central Catholic High School Scholarship Funds in San Antonio, Texas.

A celebration of John's life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.