Terrence Ralph Kenney, 67, of Point Pleasant passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Ocean Medical Center in Brick. Terry retired 4 years ago as principal of the Switlik Elementary School in Jackson. Prior to that, Terry was the principal of the McCauliffe Middle School in Jackson, leading that school to the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award. He also held various educational posts in Point Pleasant Borough and Barnegat Township. He was a member of the NJSPA, NJEA and St. Peter’s RC Church in Point Pleasant. He attended Dunmore High School and graduated from Wilkes University. He earned his master’s degree from The College of NJ. Terry also enjoyed tending bar at The Bluff’s in Bay Head and later in life, Farrell’s in Point Pleasant Beach. He loved telling jokes and it is likely that if you have ever been in his presence, you have heard him tell a bad one or three.
Born and raised in Dunmore, PA he lived in Point Pleasant for the past 45 years.
Terry was predeceased by his parents, Terrence and Mildred (Kressler) Kenney, son Kyle P. Kenney and sister, Joanie McGrail. Surviving is his son, Terrence S. Kenney and his wife, Gina of Point Pleasant; daughter, Heather M. Garris and her husband, Chris of Point Pleasant; brother, Billy Kenney of Dunmore, PA; sisters, Carol Behonick and her husband, Tom of Binghamton, NY and Nancy Kenney of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren Ella and Rylie Kenney; his former wife, Louise Kenney of Point Pleasant; as well as many nieces, nephews and brothers and sister in-law.
Most recently Terry loved spending time with his two granddaughters, Ella and Rylie; taking every chance he got to teach them what he taught us all; how to draw, how to read, how to play games, how to look at the night sky, how to keep asking questions, how to be nice to others and most importantly how to have fun doing it all.
Visiting will be on Thursday from 4-8pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 505 Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday 11am at St. Peter’s RC Church in Point Pleasant. Final entombment will be private. Donations may be made in his name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.