Kenneth D. Hennessey, 78, of Northford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2019 at Yale New Haven Hospital with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Barbara A. Petrarca Hennessey. Ken was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1941 and was the son of the late Earle and Dorothy Pekala Hennessey. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the former Indiana Pennsylvania Teachers College, a Master’ degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana and a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Akron, Ohio. Ken taught mathematics and chemistry at Admiral King HS in Lorain, Ohio where he was also the varsity wrestling coach. He forged a special bond with his wrestlers and would recount stories about them his entire life. In 1970, he moved to Northford, Connecticut where for the next 40 years he was a Chemical Salesman for B.F. Goodrich Chemical and all their subsidiaries. He was passionate about his work and took a special interest in the lives of his customers. They were like family to him. When he was not traveling for his job, Ken coached midget football, little league baseball and girls softball. He was an active parishioner at St. Monica’s Church, Northford where he served as an usher. In his free time, Ken enjoyed fishing, skiing and watching football. Unquestionably, his biggest passion was his vacation home on Lake Armington in Piermont, NH. Whether splitting wood, fishing, skiing, or simply sitting at the dock watching his grandchildren enjoy the lake, Ken cherished this time with his family and friends. Father of Shawn (Anita) Hennessey, Kristen (Joseph) Sicignano and Nicole (Marc) Brustman. Grandfather of Patrick and Matthew Hennessey, Joey Sicignano, Nolan and Jamie Brustman. Predeceased by his brother Ronald Hennessey.
The visiting hours will be Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Monday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Ambrose Parish at St. Monica Church, 1331 Middletown Avenue, Northford at 10:00. Interment will follow in the Northford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Closer to Free Fund, Smilow c/o Yale New Haven Hospital Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508.
Barbara, Shawn, Kristen, & Nicki,
So sorry of your loss. Ken was always humorous, witty, and kind. We will miss him, but now he at rest looking over you. Our deepest condolences.
He will always be “Mr. Hennessey” to me! Such fond memories growing up with you all on Glenmeadow. All the dad’s bringing the picnic tables down to the cul-de-sac for our block parties! Backyard fun! Always stopping the car to say hello to Mr. and Mrs. when they were walking… so many more.
Cherish the memories and know we are thinking of you all.
Barb, Shawn, Kristen, Nicki and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we mourn Ken’s passing. We together had a “moment in time” which will live in our hearts forever! Ken was a “light” to so many, and it shined brightest when he spoke of all of you! Berny and I are so thankful we got to visit, laugh, and reminisce with you and Ken in November. It was like old times! As you know, Ken was a major inspiration of my life- he will always be in my heart. For now, we must say goodbye, but we will be together with Ken again-in the love and light of the universal Christ! May God Bless you and keep you during this time and always. Love Rick and Berny
Hennessy family sorry for your loss.
Barbara, Shawn, Nicki, Kristen and all of the Grand Children
I find it difficult to imagine I will not see my Friend again; Ken was someone who loved everyone and respected all. I will always remember our travels together the many laughs and stories about fishing and mostly stories about his children and grand children. Barbara you and I will always remember the cell phone calls from the car when neither of us expected for Ken to instruct us to chat..:). Ken will very much be someone whom I will never forget and think of often and if I am ever fortunate enough to hear a Loon I will always think of my visit with Ken and Shawn at your cottage.
Our deepest Sympathies and prayers
Andy and Wendy
My sincere, heartfelt condolences to the entire Hennessey family on the passing of dear Ken. We first met as volunteers in the Potato Booth many years ago. When he found out one of your kids had his wife or daughter as one of their teachers, that opened the door to many hours of conversation on their present and future endeavors. How we would Raz him on the amount of corn and potatoes he could consume and the money he was costing our booth! Ken was especially interested if the kids played sports and was a wealth of information about the football and hockey programs in town. Most Sundays you could find Ken in his chair bantering back & forth with Lou. When I finished my work I would sit in the chair next to his and add an extra hour of conversation to my Sunday afternoon…and I will miss them dearly. Rest In Peace, Ken
With Sympathy, Alison Caron
Dear Hennessey Family, I just heard. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Whenever I ran into Mr. Hennessey he always had something funny to say and brought a smile to my face. Your wonderful family is a perfect example of the man he was. Thinking of you, George
Our condolences to the Hennessy family.