When Thomas J. Kenney, Jr. died on Jan. 27, 1991, at the age of 66, more than 2,500 mourners came to his viewing. Such was the renown and likeability of Kenney, a high school football coach, restaurateur, businessman and Camden County freeholder.
Born in Camden, Kenney went to high school at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, where he excelled as a guard, making the all-city and all-state squads. He moved on to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., where he was quarterback and captain of the football team.
In 1946, after serving in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant, Kenney was asked to coach the Fighting Irish football team of Camden Catholic High School, in Cherry Hill, which for the five previous years had been suspended.
Under his eight-year tenure, the football team was revived and became one of the best in the area, amassing a 53-13-4 record.
Recognizing his efforts, the school posthumously inducted Kenney into its inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2007, and named the school’s gymnasium after him.
Kenney was also a member of the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame, the South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame, and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.
Outside of football, Kenney was known for his work as an account executive for Chesapeake Packaging Corp; as a Camden County freeholder, and eventually its board’s director; and for helping operate his family’s two restaurants, Kenney’s Restaurant in Camden, and Kenney’s Suburban House in Cherry Hill.
Moving to Merchantville in 1950, Kenney was a long-time parishioner at St. Peter Parish and was involved with its Holy Name Society.
He also was a member of the Knight of Columbus, Santa Maria Council 1443; a member of Friends of the Sacred Heart; Commissioner of the Garden State Midget Football League; and co-founder of the Merchantville Boys Basketball League.
Known also for his oratorical skills, Kenney was invited to countless Communion breakfasts and dinner functions as a guest speaker.
Researched by Peter G. Sánchez and James A. McBride
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