John Francis Kenny

John F. Kenny, age 82 of Kissimmee, FL passed away in his home on February 5, 2024, after battling colon cancer. John was born on November 9, 1941, in Elizabeth, NJ. He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Adele and John Menzie. John is survived by his current wife, Terry; his daughter from his first marriage, Kathy Kenny Grimes (Ron); and grandchildren, Autumn Grimes-Chandler (Jeremy), Elijah Grimes (Lauren Clark), and Adeline Bluhm (Andrew). He is also survived by Terry’s son, Kris Gholson (Kerry) and their children, Sully, Hannah, Keira and Peter. John leaves behind his siblings, Joanne Patricelli, Patricia Richard, Candice Yesk, and Jeff Menzie as well as nieces and nephews. John was an Eagle Scout and after graduating High School, John served in the Air Force as a Medic and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. He then went on to earn his Graduate degree from the University of South Carolina. John taught Elementary School, Adult Education and Middle School. He also served as Vice Principal at Hilton Head Elementary School and taught at Trident Technical Community College in Charleston, SC. He embraced odd jobs during the summer months away from the school year doing everything from working for the telephone company to working in the NICU with tiny babies. John was a doting father, and he was beloved by all his students until his retirement. He spent his later years living at Folly Beach, SC where he met and married Terry. John and Terry enjoyed all that the “beach life” had to offer. Their favorite moments were spent traveling and being together. John and Terry have spent the last 14 years living in Kissimmee, Florida. John was known as Poppy to his grandchildren and gave them fun memories that featured “The Claw”, kite flying and the beach. Time with Poppy was never boring. He was a master storyteller and liked animals. He was a loving cat dad and a true “jack of all trades”. He loved to tinker and could fix most anything. He had a green thumb, especially with African Violets. John loved hot weather and spicy food. Tequilla and good music ranked high on his list of good things as well. John’s family will not have a funeral service per John’s wishes. However, the family requests that if you so desire to give in remembrance of him, that you consider donating to The US Department of Veterans Affairs at: https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_at_facility/ and select Orlando VA Healthcare System (675)

John Francis Kenny

November 9, 1941 - February 5, 2024