Joe Kenney

(JJB, Joe Joe Bird, Jose, YJK)

1995-2019

All For One, and One For All

My story of Joe.

I am Joe’s mom and this is MY story of Joe. Joe was born April 19, 1995 at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA. He was taken way too soon On October 18, 2019, almost exactly 24- and one-half years old. He was the little brother to Alli (’93), and big brother to Mikey (’97) and Cal (’00). He was a beautiful blond haired, green eyed little boy. Always with a big smile on his face. From the day Joe was born he was ALL BOY! His favorite past times included running, jumping, swimming, climbing and just playing – always outside wearing his favorite pair of cowboy boots and always with his brothers and sister, right by his side. He built forts, shot arrows, chopped down trees, fabricated weapons from sticks. He played family farm scatter game, giant, flying-zebra. He sang on the “stage,” maneuvered through the obstacle course, jumped off the swings and initiated plenty of games of dare. He spent hours in the hot tub sharing deep thoughts and dreams. He played soccer, basketball, baseball, taekwondo, lacrosse, football, a little golf and snowboarded. He loved to kayak, canoe and wakeboard - accumulating many friends along the way. The only thing Joe cherished more than his family and friends were his beloved dogs. First, his ten-year-old pet, Russet - who we are certain he is traveling around with up in heaven right now, then Cody and Maggie – who never left Joe’s side when he visited.

Joe was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 8. The night before his birthday party. It changed his life forever. He had to grow up faster than most kids. Needed to be able to calculate carbs and insulin in order to survive. But Joe was Joe. He figured it out and became very independent quickly. He never wanted to burden anybody with this chronic, difficult disease. He got a second blow when he was 10 and was diagnosed with Celiac disease. He said this was worse than diabetes. You see, Joe LOVED to eat. It was like a religion to him. So, this really hit him where it hurt. But again, he figured it out and managed it without complaint.

Joe’s teenage years were, well, teenage years. Let’s just say school was not his favorite pastime. He had lots of friends in high school – life-long - the kind that always had your back. He played sports in between injuries, went to the football Superbowl his junior year and ultimately was successful academically. We should probably leave it at that for now.

Our family was fortunate to travel all over the world when Joe was growing up. Joe loved to travel, explore and experience different places and food. These are some of our most precious memories we have as a family. Ah, the stories we could tell – and stories that Joe could tell, but never did to us! We were also fortunate to spend summers with Joe at our family home in Rockport, MA which we shared with his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Pretty much anybody who knew Joe in those days, has “been to the beach.” Jumping off the rocks, surfing, walking the beach, exploring Star Fish Land, Troll Bridge and of course eating on the front lawn at the picnic table and at Lobsta Land. Simple times in the icy cold Atlantic water surrounded by family and friends – nothing could have been better.

Joe Kenney

- Born April 19, 1995- Son, Brother

- Left way too soon on October 18,2019

Favorite Foods:

Lobster Mac n' Cheese

Chicken Bellagio

Chicken Parm

Sushi

Bacon Mac n' Cheese

Favorite Beer:

PBR

Corona Light