Bernard Francis “Bernie” Kenny Jr., founder and patriarch of Kenny Family ShopRites of Delaware, passed away December 30, 2023 at the age of 85.
Kenny was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, the son of the late Irene (LaValle) and Bernard F. Kenny. In lieu of a traditional educational path, Kenny 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. His military service was a source of great pride throughout his life.
Kenny’s career in the grocery business began when he got his first job, at 12 years old, stringing up livestock in a freezer for a local butcher. He spent much of his career at Pathmark stores where he became a senior VP before acquiring two ShopRite stores in Delaware in 1995. Today, the Kenny Family operates six ShopRite stores in the First State.
Kenny is survived by his wife Peggy, whom he married in 1964. Together they raised six children, two natural and four adopted. They also served together as foster parents in New Jersey and Delaware, caring for 113 foster children between 1966 and 2019.
Kenny 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, Kenny 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 who was lucky enough to know him. His impact will live on through the lives that he touched and the lessons that he taught.
In addition to his wife, Kenny is survived by 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.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kenny Family Foundation – 501 South Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or at www.kffde.org.