Thomas William Kenny, age 83 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Foothill Acres Rehabilitation & Nursing Center-LTC, Hillsborough Township, NJ, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 11, 1940, to Lillian Ruth (Gaze) and William Thomas Kenny in Trenton, New Jersey. While he spent his early years in Trenton, most of his cherished youth was in Hamilton Township. He attended Hamilton Elementary and Middle School and later Hamilton High West, where he shined as co-captain of the soccer team alongside his best friend, Ted Reed.
After high school, Tom attended Trenton State College, where he was also the captain of the soccer team and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education in 1962. It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Betty Saunders, who was also a Health and PE major. They married in 1963, sharing 61 wonderful years together.
Tom began his teaching career at his alma mater, Hamilton High West, in 1962. He dedicated himself to teaching health, physical education, and driver education until 1996. He was not only a beloved teacher but also served as the department chairman and was honored as Teacher of the Year. Tom’s passion for soccer extended to coaching the boys’ team, leading to his induction into the Hamilton Township Athletic Hall of Fame.
Tom and Betty initially settled in Flemington. After a decade, they moved to a charming farm in Kingwood Township, where they spent 42 joyful years. In 1977, they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer. Tom relished his time on the farm, tending horses and a goat, playing tennis, puttering in his garage often cutting and splitting wood or hunting with his good friends, Joe Augustin and Bob Sedia.
He was a member of the Flemington Elks and an original member of the Sunday Morning Golf Club.
In 2017, Tom and Betty returned to Flemington.
Tom had a deep love for antiques, reveling in the history of the treasures he discovered. He loved the the flea market business, setting up at the Lambertville market, meeting people and uncovering unique items. His passion extended to collecting locks, where he found connection and camaraderie in the lock collection community. Tom cherished the time spent with fellow collectors, sharing his enthusiasm and learning from one another.
Tom’s heart extended to his community, serving as a deacon at the Frenchtown Presbyterian Church and working tirelessly to run the food pantry. He also drove for Meals On Wheels for several years.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Betty, his beloved daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Andrew, as well as his three cherished grandchildren, Morgan, Macy, and A.J. He also leaves behind his dear brother and sister-in-law, William T. and Linda Kenny of New Hope, PA, along with several nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Tom shared a special bond with his brother, Bill, who was one of his best friends. They always lived close to each other, were always there for each other, providing support and companionship throughout their lives.
Life celebration services will be private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.
You are encouraged to visit Tom’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.
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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”
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