"I went to Pavilion Central School with Jim. We graduated together in 1961. I was the catcher on the baseball team and Jim was a pitcher. He had a great curve ball and though we didn't win many games, we loved playing the game. I just learned of his passing as I was reaching out to our graduating class to let them know of the passing of another of our classmates. Life is short, make the most of your time here, as Jim did. Sending love to his family, Brian Lyke"
In loving memory of
James Emerson Kenna
July 11, 1943 - January 26, 2021
Jim Kenna, 77, passed away on January 26, 2021, in Rochester, NY with his wife by his side. Jim was born on July 11, 1943 in Warsaw, NY, to Paul and Nina Kenna. He graduated from Pavilion High School in 1961 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Brockport in 1965. He started his career as a Math Teacher and went on to work for 34 years at Dansville Central Schools. Jim married Ann Cicero on June 19, 1965 in Perry, NY. The couple had 3 children, Michelle (Mark) LaBue, Paul (Kim) Kenna, and Julie (Mike) Beale. Jim cherished spending time with his family on vacations, holidays, and gatherings. He traveled extensively throughout the US and overseas, particularly interested in the history of the location and capturing each scene in photos. He was active in the Dansville community, serving in various roles for the town, school, and church, volunteering his time, and often resources, as a quiet and humble testament to his love for God. He loved all sports, coaching high school baseball and basketball for the love of the game and the kids. He played many pick up basketball games with fellow teachers and friends, before hanging up his sneakers for the less demanding physically, but psychologically torturous sport of golf. Other hobbies included staring contests with the grandkids, collecting coins, reading, puzzles, hand crafting stained glass art, and shuttling his wife from sale to sale. Jim and Ann moved from Dansville to Greece after retirement to be closer to his cherished family and grandchildren. He was blessed to have made many lifelong friends.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Ann Kenna, Michelle (Mark) LaBue - daughter, Paul (Kim) Kenna - son, Julie (Mike) Beale - daughter, Nancy (Peter) Neidrauer - sister, Sharon (Jerry) Landcastle - sister, Mike Kenna - brother, Rosemary Swede - sister-in-law, Nunzio (Donna) Cicero - brother-in-law, Josh LaBue - grandson, AJ LaBue - grandson, Jack LaBue - grandson, Megan Kenna - granddaughter, Makenzie Beale - granddaughter, Rex Beale - grandson, Chloe Beale - granddaughter. James is preceded in death by Paul and Nina Kenna - parents, Sheila Galbraith - sister, Alice Kenna - step-mother, Gerald Landcastle - brother-in-law
The service for Mr. James Kenna will be held on Tuesday, February 2nd at 9:30 AM at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 North Greece Road, Greece, NY 14626 Visitation: Monday, February 1st, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. Burial: Private interment immediately following the service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester, NY. Memorial donations can be made in James's name to St. Lawrence Church. https://www.stlawrencegreeceny.org
Tributes
"Like many here, I also had Mr. Kenna as a geometry teacher. I have fond memories of him. It\'s funny the things you remember....you needed to do some drawing in geometry and he once told me I couldn\'t draw a straight line even with a ruler. To this day I am \"artistically challenged\" but I was a math major in college! I send my sincere condolences to his family---he was a great guy! Patricia Akins Sandler"
"Like many here, I also had Mr. Kenna as a geometry teacher. I have fond memories of him. It\'s funny the things you remember....you needed to do some drawing in geometry and he once told me I couldn\'t draw a straight line even with a ruler. To this day I am \"artistically challenged\" but I was a math major in college! I send my sincere condolences to his family---he was a great guy! Patricia Akins Sandler"
"Such great memories of Mr. Kenna. He taught me Geometry in 10th Grade and the proofs that we would go through every day...so many of them! LOL. He was strict but light-hearted and I always enjoyed his class. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 "
"Many fond memories of Math club and Geometry with Mr Kenna - sending loving thoughts to all his family - Helen Lawler Seebold "
"Paul and Family, Whenever hanging out with Paul and I saw Mr. Kenna, he was always welcoming and had a great sense of humor. So sorry for your loss and my prayers are with your family. Gary and Tamara Blanchard"
"Sharon Landcastle Dearest Ann & Family, We know Jim is at peace with our Lord. Though Jim gave each of us fond memories, he will still be missed. So, until we meet again" May fair winds be at your back," God has you in the palm of His hand. Blessings, one & all"
"I knew Jim when he was just a kit. Paul and Nina Kenna, and their family, always made friends/visitors very comfortable. I was a teenager and Jim was a kid so FULL of energy. He and I both went to Brockport and he and I shared the same LOVE of Mathematics. As "grown-ups" we were not as close but we could call each other Friends. Jim was a major figure in the Dansville community and he will be missed.....and to his lovely wife, Ann, take good care of the grandchildren. Hugs from Livonia...Cal/Joyce Lathan "
"Mr. Kenna was a great teacher ,inspiring basketball coach and a life long friend !I hope to see him again some day ,prayers to his family!"
"Oh my, Ann. We are so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We are remembering all our fun times with you both in years past. We are here in Florida but our prayers are with you all."
"Although we haven't connected with Jim and Ann for quite a while, we remember them from St Mary's and various community activities. God is welcoming home a gentle, loving man. See you on the other side Jim!! "
"Mr. Kenna turned my path of education around. I was feeling sorry for myself bc my parents were divorcing etc. I failed to study we had a pop quiz. When he handed back the quiz...a big FAT 0..... I said I can't believe you GAVE me a zero. (young entitled teenager) and he responded firmly and to my disbelief and I quote "No, you earned that all by yourself !" His words changed my thinking. I am a life long, three (working on a fourth) college degree holding, student. I credit him for my change of attitude, and I am deeply grateful. I am so sorry for your loss. May your path forward be paved with gentle guidance and warm memories. "
"Sorry to hear of Jim?s passing. A good teacher, a good coach and a great guy. Al and Sally Herrick "
"My favorite teacher in high school. Very strict.. The reason I did well in geometry. Nothing but good memories. "
"I am so sorry to hear of Mr Kenna?s passing. He was a wonderful teacher who made geometry fun! Please accept my condolences."
"Ann and family Jim was a teacher to me in the Jr. High, then got to know him better when I started my career. He was a wonderful guy and I am sure he will be missed "