Paul Francis Kenney

Paul Kenney, age 91, of Weymouth, passed away on September 19, 2023. Paul was born, raised and educated in Dorchester. He attended the Dorchester High School for Boys and after graduation worked as a land surveyor before joining the United States Army in October of 1952, where he proudly served his country as a member of the 57th Tank Battalion. Paul married the love of his life, Sanchen on November 4, 1961 and the two started a family in New York. They moved to Dorchester a few years later where they raised their children and then settled in Weymouth in 1973.

Paul's career as a civil engineer spanned many years with his eventual retirement from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. He taught at the Northeastern University Center for Continuing Education as an instructor for land surveying. He was deeply involved as a Revolutionary War reenactor beginning with the bicentennial celebration in 1976 as a member of the Weymouth Militia which lead to involvement with the Brigade of the American Revolution, the Tenth Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Line, and Militia Day at Old Sturbridge Village. He especially enjoyed participating as an artilleryman with the United Train of Artillery of Rhode Island. He was talented at knot tying, a singer of sea shanties, a member of the Kendall Whaling Museum and the New Bedford Whaling Museum, as well as a Power Squadron member and instructor.  Paul was an excellent woodworker and handy man, renovating his 1886 home himself.  A gifted story teller with an excellent sense of humor, Paul loved a good punchline.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of sixty one years, Sanchen Kenney (Schaefer). He is also survived by his children, Joan Shaw and her husband Bob, of Pembroke, Wendy McAlister of Stoughton, Gary Kirchner and his wife Claudia, of Dover, Delaware. Paul was also loved by his grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Heather, Michael, Alexis, Evan, Danielle and Andrew. He also leaves six great grandchildren, and will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.  Paul is predeceased by his son Mark Kirchner, his son in-law Paul McAlister, granddaughter Paige Jackman, and his siblings, David Kenney, Emily McHugh, and Thomas Kenney.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visitation for Paul on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 12:00-1:00 pm, in the CC Shepherd Funeral Home located at 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) South Weymouth. A funeral service will follow immediately after visitation, in the funeral home at 1:00 pm. Donations can be made in Paul's name to the Pat Roche Hospice Home, 86 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, MA 02043 or a charity close to your heart.