Obituary of John Kenny

John "Jack" Joseph Kenny, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Jack was born in Glen Cove, New York on November 4, 1930. After serving in the US Army at Fort Ord, Jack made his home on the Monterey Peninsula for the last 58 years. Jack served in Okinawa during WWII and in the Korean War, earning medals for Army Occupation (Okinawa), the Korean Service Medal, the Good conduct medal, and the Purple Heart, all of which burned in a fire in 2001. After his military career, Jack became a well-loved teacher at Junipero Serra High School from 1959 – 1963 where he taught History and Physical Education, and coached many sports, and was known by the team members as "Coach Kenny". While at Thomas O. Larkin School between the years of 1957 – 1959, in addition to teaching and coaching sports Jack also helped the school by cleaning the classrooms after hours every day as the school did not have the funds to hire a custodian. The multi-purpose room was dedicated to him by the school district, and he was also made a lifetime member of the PTA. He finished his teaching career at elementary schools in Marina. Jack loved working with youth, and coached Little League and umpired for many years on the Peninsula. He worked as a furniture mover, driving cross country during the summer months while school was out. Jack was a member of the VFW Post 7895 and served as Commander and Chaplain for many years. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 591 in Seaside and served as the Chaplain and also was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Jack was quick-witted and always loved hearing or sharing a good joke. Jack was a true sports enthusiast, his favorite teams being the Dodgers and the S.F. 49ers. Jack was predeceased by his parents, John J. Kenny Sr., and Mary (Duffy) Kenny, and his brother James. He was also predeceased by his first wife Mary Ann (DiMaggio) Kenny, and his second wife, Carol (Downey) Kenny. He is survived by his five children, sons Jack and James Kenny, and daughters, Laura Crivello (George) Pattie Walton (Rick), and Linda Bankston (Don). He has eight grandchildren, Krystal, Amber, Kirsten, Nicole, Jacquelyn, Anthony, Kenny and Kerry, and five great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews on the Monterey Peninsula. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen (Leasburg, Fl), and his brothers Matt (Rockford, Il.), Christopher, (East Rockaway, N.Y.), and Mike, (Clearmont, FL.) He will also be missed by the many friends he shared happy times with. The family would especially like to thank his good friends and "our angels", Lisa Firebaugh, Dennis Blasius, Alex at the Peninsula Apartments, his neighbor Heidi, and Sharon Winslow for the love and help they provided right to the end, and to the caring staff at VNA & Hospice, Salinas Office, the Monterey Peninsula Meals on Wheels volunteers for their care and support during his final months.