Bernard Francis Kenny, Jr., 85 "Bernie" passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at home with Peggy, his devoted wife of 59 years.

Bernie was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the son of the late Irene (LaValle) and Bernard F. Kenny. In lieu of a traditional educational path, Bernie left High School to join the United States Army. He earned the rank of Master Sergeant in the 101st Airborne before graduating from the elite Airborne Ranger School. Bernie's military service was a source of great pride throughout his life.

Bernie had a remarkable career in the grocery business. It began when he got his first job, at 12 years old, stringing up livestock in a freezer for a local butcher. From these humble beginnings Bernie climbed every step of the corporate ladder and ultimately became the owner, operator, and CEO of 6 ShopRite Stores in Delaware. Bernie always credited his business success to the guidance and encouragement of the mentors he encountered, especially Al Aidekman, Herb Brody, and Milton Perlmutter.

Along the way, Bernie met the love of his life, Peggy, who was working in the dairy department. Bernie and Peg married in 1964 and raised 6 children, 2 natural and 4 adopted. They also served together as foster parents in New Jersey and Delaware, caring for 113 foster children between 1966 and 2019.

Bernie was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church. He founded a nonprofit, Kenny Family Foundation, in 2009 and served as chairman until 2021. He contributed to countless charitable endeavors and service to others was a consistent focus of his life.

Most importantly, Bernie was a leader, a motivator, and a source of inspiration. He lived his life with passion and a generosity of spirit that will be missed by everyone that that was lucky enough to know him. His impact will live on through the lives that he touched and the lessons that he taught.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Peggy Kenny who was the love of his life; his brother Richard who was his closest friend and advisor; his sister-in -law Dorothy; his children and their spouses, Kathleen (William), Thomas, Melissa (Mark), Christopher (Teresa), Matthew and Carlie; his grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Amber, Autumn, Tyler, Brandon, Alyssa, Matthew, Brionna, Iris, and Lady; his great-grandchildren, Jacelyn, Kylie, Liam, Rowan, Noah and Penelope; and his rescue dog, Snoopy.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin on Friday evening, January 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Bernie's honor at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Saturday morning January 6, 2024, at 10:00. Bernie will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony following the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kenny Family Foundation:

501 S Walnut St

Wilmington, DE 19801

www.kffde.org

"Don't be a cork in the ocean"

- Bernie Kenny