William "Billy" Kenneally

William "Billy" Kenneally of Woodlawn, New York, formerly of Glenlara, Co Cork passed away on April 15th 2021. He was 86 years old. Born in Co. Cork to Nicholas and Dora Kenneally, Billy was one of 15 children. He was raised on the family farm in Glenlara where he worked long days as a child. Billy followed his older siblings to the United States to work on ranches in Oregon. After four years of sheep herding, trailing cattle and riding in rodeos, Billy was drafted into the United States Army and spent the next two years stationed in France. On his discharge from active duty Billy returned to Oregon for two more years. In 1961 Billy travelled to New York to visit family. Upon arriving he discovered Gaelic Park and the great job opportunities NY had to offer so Billy decided to make the Bronx, NY his home. After he was captain of the Cork Junior Hurling Team he remained active on the field at Gaelic Park, even as a linesman into his 80's.

Billy met Marna at a dance in 1968. Being the Gentleman he was, Billy offered to drive Marna and her friends home from the dance that night and as they say, the rest is history. In February 1969, Billy & Marna were married at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Billy worked in Local 18A for many years and subsequently joined the Paperhandlers & Straightners until his retirement from the New York Times in 2000.

In 1976, Billy moved his family to Woodlawn to be the super at 278 E 239 St where he remained until his retirement this past November.

While there Billy was also well known as the local exterminator, handyman, but more importantly a great neighbor & 2nd Dad to many young immigrants.

Billy was a member of St Barnabas Church and a 50 plus year member of the County Cork B. P. & P. Association. Every year Billy proudly marched up 5th Avenue with the Cork association on St Patricks Day.

Billy will be remembered as a fearless, energetic and selfless gentleman. He had a large extended group of friends he considered family. He attended many weddings & functions where he was a constant fixture on the dance floor. He loved to help people; whether it was finding a job or an apartment, Billy always came through. But most of all Billy will be remembered as a family man. A man who adored his wife, children and grandchildren who were all with him in his final days.

Billy is survived by his wife Marna, His children: Tara Mulligan and Alma (Tony) Certa. He will be missed by his grandchildren Ronan and Shannon Certa, his siblings Dave, Frank and Kathleen, His many nephews, nieces and cousins. Billy is predeceased by his son-in-law Tom Mulligan and his brothers, Dan, Paddy, Jimmy, Jack, Ted, William, Nicky, Brendan and his sisters Imelda Hayden, Dora Quirke and Mary. Billy will be missed by everyone who knew him.

A celebration of Billy's life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham New York on Wednesday April 21st from 4-8PM and Thursday April 22nd from 2-6P. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at St Barnabas Church located at 4343 Martha Avenue, Bronx, New York on Friday April 23rd at 10:45 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The funeral will be live streamed via Facebook - St. Barnabas Church (Bronx, NY). For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers donations Billy's name can be made to www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

To be able to view the Live Stream on Thursday the link is https://my.gather.app/remember/william-kenneally