Lawrence A. Kenney

Lawrence Alan Kenney passed away in his home on Saturday, August 19 after complications from a chronic lung disease Larry was born on August 29, 1951 to parents Robert J. Kenney and Jean E. Kenney. He is survived by his wife Janice Louise Elliott, his daughter Katherine (Elliott) Kenney, and his brothers Robert J. Kenney Jr. and Christopher C. Kenney Larry spent most of his childhood in Lincoln, Massachusetts and Atlanta, Georgia, staging mock battles with his friends over tops of old stone walls. He was known as a friendly and outgoing child who was happy to join in on any fun. In high school, he was a reserve player for the Dykes High football team. His college years began in Texas at the Southern Methodist University for two years before transferring to complete his BA in Art History at Boston University in 1973. A true young hippie, he hitchhiked across the U.S. risking rattlesnakes and freezing temperatures, and fell in love with the music of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Neil Young . In 1979 Larry moved to Virginia with his cat Bilbo, named for the hero of his favorite J.R.R. Tolkien book, The Hobbit. There he entered graduate school at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His dual interests in art and math initially inspired him to pursue a degree in architecture, but a chance opportunity turned his attention to urban and regional planning. Upon graduation, he landed a job as the Economic Development Planner for the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Six years later he became President at Scott, Kenney & Partners, providing real estate market research and economic analysis to housing and redevelopment clients throughout the Northeast. In 1996, Larry reunited with his former boss and friend Tom Corso to become Senior Vice President at AMS Consulting LLC. In addition to market research, Larry developed a tool for calculating rent reasonableness – the only one of its kind in the state – which became a vital resource for housing authorities across Connecticut. When Larry’s work crossed with that of historic preservationists, a chance encounter introduced him to the love of his life, Janice Elliott. Their romance was filled with laughter and adventure. After surviving a grueling 16-mile vertical down-and-back hike at the Grand Canyon with their relationship still intact, Larry proposed marriage. The couple tied the knot in 1987. Four years later after the birth of their daughter they moved into their forever home, a cute 1910s historic bungalow in Hamden, Connecticut. Larry loved the outdoors and travel, frequently leading Janice and daughter Elliott on remote mountain hikes. He thrived on the balance of preparedness and discovery: before each trip, Larry spent many hours pouring through travel books. He was an avid fan of sports, especially baseball, and took advantage whenever Janice’s work travel made it possible to attend a game at a different MLB stadium. He was a loyal Red Sox fan and, like any true Bostonian, amassed myriad superstitions to explain each win or loss. Larry never lost his love of learning. He devoured countless books, taking special interest in American war histories. Today his bookshelf includes everything from The Secret Life of Lobsters, to 1001 Chess Exercises for Beginners, to Patton and Rommel: Men of War in the Twentieth Century. Perhaps most notably, Larry was a deeply kind soul. He could make even the most passing acquaintance feel seen with a thoughtful question and a genuine smile. He was a great friend to wildlife, religiously restocking fresh seeds for the backyard birds each morning. As Larry’s career wound down, he lent his aptitude for economics to volunteer tax preparation for low-to-moderate income community members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Larry was an incredible father and husband. He often served as a wise and patient sounding board during moments of hard choices and was a skilled copy editor for all important essays. He showed his love openly and frequently. He was Janice’s best friend, her partner and her co-pilot in life. In Elliott, he instilled the art of listening, his love of stories and adventure, and his curiosity for the world. Larry was a warm light in the lives of his family and community. The many wonderful memories he created will carry on within all who had the blessing of knowing him. Details for Larry’s memorial service will be forthcoming. Memories of Larry or condolences for his family may be shared by email to Elliott Kenney at kelliott.kenney@gmail.com. Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA (https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/)

Lawrence A. Kenney

August 29, 1951 - August 19, 2023