W.F. Jesse Kenney passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019, in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by his family and prayer. Jesse, 83 years of age, was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Bill Kenney, Stephanie (Patty) Carroll, sister Rose (Kenney) Condit and brother David Kenney.Jesse proudly leaves behind his daughter Brigitte (Kenney) Caton, son-in-law Benjy Caton, granddaughters Stephanie Caton (Kourtney) and Maddie Caton. His son Bill Kenney, daughter-in-law Theresa “Terrie”, grandson Billy, granddaughter Kaitlin and his great grandson Jonah.In addition, Jesse is loved, admired and respected by his twin brothers, Bob and Joe, their wives Margie, Marie along with Dave’s widow Kay, brother-in-law James Condit Sr., plus 23 nieces and nephews.
Jesse at the young age of 8 he was a member of the Frisch’s basketball team and the newspaper described him as a “Dazzling Ball Handler.” Jesse attended St. Xavier High School where he excelled as the Bomber’s star point guard in basketball, he was honored being the team Captain his Senior year. He went on to serve our country in the Army where he continued his basketball career. Through the 1970’s, Jesse owned “The Rum Runner” in Madison Place, located near the Fairfax and Mariemont border. He later formed an extremely successful women’s softball team named, the Rum Runners! This team traveled the country, competing nationally, made possible by Jesse’s generous time, talent and treasure. He literally created the opportunity for his nieces and many of their friends to compete at the highest level in United States Softball. In addition, he coached basketball at Edgecliff College and recruited for the University of Dayton Lady’s basketball program and later became a Mariemont High School basketball coach. Jesse was the life of the party when he walked into the room, humble, cool, funny and generous to everyone in his life! He loved to sing Karaoke with his family and friends and was a very proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Madisonville, Ohio for over two decades. Jesse was a very good businessman and business owner, who excelled in sales and building trusted relationships. He took great pride in his work and never knew a stranger. Jesse and Bill worked together in Newtown, Ohio for many years in the cell phone industry before he decided to move to Jacksonville, Florida 15 years ago. In the sunshine state, he fell in love with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, his walks on the white sandy beaches and the cool breezes of Jacksonville in the evenings. In retirement, Jesse worked as a security guard at The Marbella Condos of Jacksonville Beach for many years, the owners loved his personality, his dependability and he became a part of their individual families.
Jesse’s true love was his family, Brigitte and Billy, their spouses, grandchildren and his great grandson. He treasured every vacation when they came to visit and rolled out the red carpet, so excited he would be waiting at the door for their arrival. He loved the game of Putt-Putt, was very competitive, and the apples didn’t fall far from the tree, it was a staple of the vacations with Grandpa Jesse along with a good old game of non-competitive scrabble. 😊
The trifecta of “Dementia”, “Alzheimer’s” and “Aphasia”, a horrific disease took a toll on Jesse’s life for the last 5 years. Our family cannot adequately thank the caregivers who loved and provided for Jesse. He was truly blessed, and he loved all of you. Your patience, love and amazing care you shared with dad will never be forgotten.
A special thank you to The Windsor at San Pablo in Jacksonville, Florida, Cedar Village Senior Living Community in Mason, Ohio and Hospice of Cincinnati for your outstanding care that you gave Jesse.
We would like to invite all of you to the celebration of Jesse’s life, all details are below.
In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Cincinnati in W. F. Jesse Kenney name the link is below for your convenience.
https://act.alz.org/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=600586
Sincerely, The Kenney/Caton Families
Visitation
Saturday, November 16, 2019, 8:30 -10:00 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 2501 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Catholic Funeral Mass
Father Barry Windholtz, 10:00 -11:00 a.m.
Celebration of Life (Following the Mass)
Grove Park Grille, 6735 Kellogg Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
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