Obituary: Timothy Whelan Kenny
Timothy Whelan Kenny of Hilton Head, South Carolina, formerly of Montclair, died on Nov. 9, 2021, as the result of injuries suffered in a surfing accident in Hawaii, where he and his wife, Melissa, were celebrating a delayed honeymoon and first anniversary. He was 51.
Mr. Kenny, the youngest of seven children, was born in 1970 to George and Sandra Kenny, longtime residents of Montclair. He attended Montclair public schools and graduated from Montclair High School in 1988.
At age 18, with only a backpack and a dream, he made his way to the big island of Hawaii. After three years he returned to the mainland, where he graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in biochemistry and a B.A. in chemistry.
He met his first wife in college, and they then settled on the island of Hawaii, where his three children, Dylan, 21, Damon, 18, and Kailyn, 11, were born.
For the next 13 years Mr. Kenny was head winemaker and production manager for Volcano Winery.
In 2010, following a separation and eventual divorce, he returned to the mainland to be with his children, where he became a banker and financial professional.
But his true vocation was as a dad. Mr. Kenny poured himself into that role, coaching his kids in soccer, attending all of their school and sporting events and escorting his little girl to every father/daughter affair.
In Hilton Head, South Carolina, he met Melissa Azallion, the love of his life, and after six years of loving companionship they married in November 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, forcing them to postpone their honeymoon to Hawaii, where he was eager to introduce Melissa to that part of his life.
Mr. Kenny was described by one friend as having “an easy manner and a big smile, who was always willing to lend a helping hand.” A Hawaiian friend said that he had “more aloha than anyone he ever knew.”
He had a great passion for sports and outdoor adventure, and was a great fishing enthusiast. He also enjoyed a close relationship with his “old guy” soccer friends, who played together every week. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
Mr. Kenny is survived by his wife, Melissa; his three children, Dylan, Damon and Kailyn Kenny; his parents, George and Sandra Kenny; five siblings, Michael, Thomas, Patty Kenny Clauhs (Bobby), Brendan (Carolina) and Molly Lannon Kenny (Sasha), and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Erin.
A memorial funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Cassian Roman Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10.
Arrangements were by Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home.