Edward “Ed” Raymond Kenney, 82, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on April 17, 2018, at the Bay Pines VA Hospital. He was born in Dover, NJ and served his country in the United States Air Force for nearly twenty-four years. Ed loved his time in the Air Force and was fortunate to live in California, Hawaii, Colorado, and Naples, Italy. He met many good British friends while in Naples. Following his career in the Air Force, he worked for the Veterans Administration in St. Petersburg and retired from there in 1998.
Ed would try any sport; but, he especially loved flying, golfing and fishing. With his love for travel, he visited forty-one (41) states and as many countries including the Canadian provinces.
His love of nature and animals brought him to many national parks. He loved traveling in his RV and cruising to many Caribbean islands and Mediterranean ports-of-call. Most people knew him for his Irish gift of gab and storytelling. His stories were based on true events in his life; but, with that extra Irish embellishment. He will be greatly missed and remembered by his laughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Esther Kenney; son, Mark Kenney; sister, Charlotte Moran and brother-in-law, Cleve Raynes. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Kenney; sons, Jeffrey of Illinois and Steven of Colorado; daughter, Valerie Anderson of Colorado; brother, Hank of Georgia; grandchildren, Tori Kenney Rockwell, Ali Kenney, Steven Anderson and Stephanie Anderson; his former wife, Claire Kenney; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Barbara Raynes ;and many friends.
A Memorial Service, with Military Honors, will be conducted at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL 33708, at 1:30pm on Friday, May 18, 2018.
The family requests that lieu of flowers that contributions should be made in Ed’s name to the USO (https://secure.uso.org/?sc=WEBDONATE&show_amount=true) or a local Humane Society of your choice. The Humane Society of Pinellas link is https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E76187&id=1
Dear Cookie and family, my sincere condolences on Ed’s passing. Ed was special to me. He could always make me laugh with the many stories he told and could he tell good stories. I know the last five years have been difficult but at last he is at peace and can rest.
To Cookie and to all of the Kenny family our sincere sorrow goes out to you on the passing of Ed. In more than the 40 happy years that we were friends reminiscing about military days or RVing together Ed always amazed us with his ability to recall names and events He had many interesting stories to tell. Cookie provided the basics and Ed filled in the details. We will miss his friendship and will always remember the good times we had together.