John Desmond Kenneally

John Desmond Kenneally of Woodside, Queens passed away on March 14, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 18, 1946 in Dublin, Ireland to Michael and Mary Kenneally, he was raised in Birr, County Offaly, Ireland and emigrated to New York in his late teens.

He served with distinction as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. On March 1st, 1969 he married the love of his life Anna Maria (Angela) O’Neill. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (Local 30) and worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide the very best for his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years Angela, his three sons Desmond (Jeanie), Thomas (Stacy) and Brian (Amy), his sisters Geraldine Grace (John) and Emily Quinlan (Thomas) and his brother Barry. Also survived by his six beloved grandchildren Caitlyn, Ashley, Jenna, Meghan, Brendan, and Leah, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His grandchildren were a great source of joy for him, and we know he will watch over them always.

His family meant everything to him and he was always willing to talk to anybody about their successes. He loved sports and was a top hurling player in his native Ireland (which he was also willing to talk to anybody about). He loved playing golf and could have an intelligent conversation with anybody on a variety of topics. He was a gentle and encouraging man, but was also a tough Irish New Yorker who earned the respect of all. We are blessed to have a lifetime of memories and fantastic stories that will last generations. He lived a true American success story and left an incredible legacy. He will be sorely missed.

Family and friends will honor John’s life at Kennedy-Roth Funeral Home in Woodside, NY on Wednesday, March 20th from 3-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Woodside, NY on Thursday, March 21st at 10:45 AM.

Our family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City who were so kind and professional in helping him through the past few years. In lieu of flowers, we ask you make a donation in John’s name to www.cycleforsurvival.com or any other organization that works toward the treatment or cure for cancer.