Robert Ambrose Kenny

Robert Ambrose Kenny passed away peacefully at his home in Fuquay Varina, NC on May 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob lived his final days with patience, gentleness, and good humor in the abiding and loving presence of his true partner in life, Deborah (Proux) Kenny.

Bob was born on January 2, 1956, in Saginaw MI where he graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School in 1974. He attended college at Michigan State University, where he played on the football team and developed a lifelong (and well-known) fondness for the color green, which he looked quite handsome in by the way! Before retiring in 2019, Bob was a successful automotive sales professional, who had a reputation for fairness, honesty and kindness with his customers.

Bob’s favorite pastimes had him outside much of the time. He loved golf – playing it, watching it on TV, and especially telling stories about it. Miller Lite in hand, he would recount each swing of every player in his party - using the scorecard of the game as a visual aide for his listeners. He was an artist and a workhorse in the yard – designing, implementing, and maintaining a landscape of trees, bushes, plants, and a beautifully edged lawn. Bob’s yard is full of vibrant color that changes with the weeks, reflecting the thought and care he and Debbie put into creating a warm and inviting space to be together, and to be with family and friends. On chilly nights, Bob would tend the firepit like it was his mission, creating warmth and a sense of connection with the people he loved.

Bob is survived by Debbie, his devoted and loving wife of 25 years; and two children, Dr. Ryan (Nena) Kenny of Chugiak AK, and Alexandra Kenny of Chicago IL, both of whom he was immensely proud. Bob was raised by his parents Jack and Gerry Kenny, both of whom predeceased him, to be strong, ethical, and family-centric. He enjoyed a good natured, supportive, and strong hearted bond with his five siblings, all of whom survive him: Bill (Denise) Kenny of Saginaw MI, Patty (Alan) Szydlik of Bellevue MI, Katy (Tom) Twining of Linden MI, Holly (Pat) Wedding of Saginaw MI, and Jackie (Mike) Doyle of Grosse Ile MI. He also had a special fondness for his nieces and nephews, staying on top of developments in their lives, and planning his travels in a way that allowed him to connect in-person with as many of them as possible.

People who knew Bob well – his family, friends, neighbors – were inspired by his ability to listen to them and remember details about their lives. His faith, hope, and that signature positive attitude were intact as he said good-bye to the people he loved. Bob moved through the final days of his time on this planet with grace, and he will be deeply missed.

Deep gratitude is extended to all the people who cared for Bob throughout his illness and for those who visited, offered meals and rides, ran errands, and shared their stories and presence in the last days of his life, including family who travelled from out of state, friends, neighbors, team members of Meridian Financial, and the teams at Duke Health and Duke Hospice.

There will be a visitation at Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes at 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529 on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church at 7300 Sunset Lake Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM. For those who wish to do so, memorial donations may be made to the V Foundation (v.org).