Charles F. Kenny, Jr.

Shushan-Charles F. Kenny, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2023, in Glens Falls, NY. He was 82 years old. Charlie was born on April 16, 1940, in New York, NY, and lived in Easton, CT, for 78 years before moving to Shushan, NY.

Charlie was a graduate of Bassick High School and the University School and served in the US Navy attaining the rank of Yeoman 2nd Class. After his Honorable discharge, he attended the University of Bridgeport, where he served as editor of the college newspaper. He earned a BS in Industrial Journalism while simultaneously working at the Bridgeport Telegram as a reporter. He was named in the 1971 edition of “Outstanding Young Men of America”.

Charlie went on to have a distinguished career in communications. He worked for General Electric in Bridgeport as a Manager for Communications and editor of the GE News. He then moved on to become the Communications Director for the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County and later started Kenny and Kenny Publishing, which he ran until his retirement.

Charlie had a creative spirit and enjoyed bringing joy to others by playing piano, banjo and singing. He was a member of Jesse Lee United Methodist church in Easton, CT for many years where he sang bass in the choir and played piano at church dinners. Charlie was an avid reader and he also enjoyed fishing from his Battenkill riverfront property.

Charlie was active in community affairs. He was instrumental in founding the Urban Coalition for Greater Bridgeport, served as a volunteer communicator for the United Way, Barnum Festival, Junior Achievement and Red Cross. He was a past president of the Easton Lions Club, a former scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #166, a Cub Scout den leader and a Girl Scout leader in Easton. Charlie enjoyed acting with the Monroe Country Collage Players. His favorite roles were Dracula in “Count Dracula” and Captain Keller in “The Miracle Worker”.

Charlie is survived by his wife Laurie Brichter Kenny, whom he loved dearly. Together they shared a lifetime of memories. They met through their love of music and theatre and were married on the Downtown Cabaret Theatre stage nearly 38 years ago. He is survived by his four children Laurie (Ed) Griffin of Trumbull, CT, William (Joanne) Kenny of Sandy Hook, CT, Ryan (Maria) of Wallingford, CT, Amanda (Donnie) Hiland of Hyde Park, NY. He was a grandfather to six: Kyle and Connor Griffin, Katy, Ally and Sean Kenny and Penny Hiland.

Charlie is also survived by his brother John Allen Kenny of New Haven, CT. He was predeceased by his brother Kevin Nicholas Kenny (Hawaii), his father, famed songwriter Charles F. Kenny who wrote “Love Letters in the Sand” and mother Joy Hathaway Meeker, Broadway and Radio Soap Opera actress.

Charlie will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held in Easton, CT on Sunday, June 4 at 2 p.m. Email CelebrateCharlie2023@gmail.com for more information or to RSVP by May 15.

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