COL US Army (Ret) Donald Robert Kenney, of Melbourne Beach, Florida, formally of Needam Mass. Beloved husband of Elise (McCrudden) Kenney, formally of Newton, Mass. Loving father of Linda Kocher and her husband Bob of Arlington, VA, Laura Blowey and her husband Bill of Houston, TX, Jimmy Kenney and his wife Pam of Palm Bay, FL, and Michael Kenney of Lexington, Ky. Loving Grandfather of Ryan and Jack Kenney, Mitchell Blowey, and Madeline Kocher.. He was the brother of Thomas Kenney of Cape Coral, Fl, Joan Patsos of Hingham, MA, the late Paul Kenney of Waban, Ma, and Margaret Dowd of Weston, MA. Son of the late Thomas and Theresa (O’Connor) Kenney of Needham, Mass.
A Funeral Mass will be held in St Christine's Church 1209 Main St Marshfield on Wed at 10:00 AM.
Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery VA.
In Lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360.
Col. Kenney was born and raised in the Needham, Newton area, graduate of Needham High in 1955 and Boston College class of 1959 and commissioned. His thirty year military service included Europe, the Middle East and two tours in Vietnam . In 1978, he served as the Commander of the 2/5th Cavalry Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft Hood, Tx. In 1980 he oversaw the fielding of the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, that is currently in service today. Don graduated from the Industrial War College in 1981. He was then assigned to be the Program Manager of the Tank Main Armament System, responsible for all tank weapons and ammunitions. From there he was assigned to be the commander of the U.S. Army’s Materials Technologies Laboratory (MTL), Watertown Mass. He served as the last commander of the Watertown Arsenal. Col. Kenney retired in 1989, decorations include two Legion of Merit, five Bronze Stars for valor, Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medalist, Vietnam Armor Badge, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. In 1990 Donald and Elise retired to Melbourne Beach, FL. Don was very active in the civic and municipal affairs of the community. Don and Elise continued to travel throughout the United States and Canada, with summers spent with the family in the New England area. Don was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. Don passed away on July 7th in his daughter’s summer home surrounded by family and friends.
Directions to St Christine's Church
From Boston: Rte. 93 South to Rte. 3 South, Take Exit 12 (Marshfield/Pembroke Rte 139). At the end of the off ramp turn right onto Rte 139 East. Follow Rte. 139 East for 3 miles. Turn left onto rte 3A follow3A about 3 miles and Church will be on your left
From Cape Cod: Take Rte. 3 North to Exit 12 (Marshfield/Pembroke Rte. 139). At the end of the off ramp, turn left, onto Rte. 139 East, follow Rte. 139 East for 3 miles. Turn left onto rte 3A follow3A about 3 miles and Church will be on your left
From NY, CT and RI: Rte 95 North to Rte 93 North (Exit 12). Follow 93 North to Rte 3 South (Exit 7) Follow Rte 3 South to exit 12 (Marshfield/Pembroke Rte 139) At the end of the off ramp turn right onto Rte 139 East. Follow Rte. 139 East for miles. Turn left onto rte 3A follow3A about 3 miles and Church will be on your left