Obituary of Michael Graham Kenney

Michael Graham Kenney, 67, passed away in his sleep on March 16, 2023.

Mike was born on March 7th, 1956 to Joseph Kenney, Sr. and Anna (Herman) Kenney in Washington, D.C. He was the seventh of eight children in his family. He attended high school at Mount Assumption Academy in Plattsburgh, New York. After graduating in 1975, Mike went on to study Business at Radford University in Virginia. He excelled in several career paths. As a young man he tended bar at the Fish Market, Third Edition, and Scandals in DC. He went on to become a skilled car salesman, real estate agent, home contractor, and appraiser. As one of his clients put it, he was “one of the best appraisers I’ve ever worked with”. In all of his roles, he worked with and for his customers. He was called to help and support people and that’s where he really shined. 

Mike’s sons, Tighe and Logan, were his greatest pride and joy. If you had a minute or thirty, he’d tell you all about them and their latest successes! He was their biggest fan as he coached and cheered them on through several youth sports and throughout their journeys in high school, college, and beyond. He dearly cherished his time with them and was incredibly proud to see them flourish as successful young men.

He lived a life full of adventure. Whether tearing up the open road on his motorcycle, or skiing skillfully down a mountain - he was always having the best time. He shared a love of riding dirt bikes, camping, and attending NFL games with his sons. His friends at the Blue Iguana turned into family and he became something of a legend there. He was extremely handy. He could fix anything and no matter how complex the project, he would always tell you it would only take him 20 minutes. 

He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his larger than life stories and his infectious sense of humor. He truly was the life of the party and lit up every room he walked into. He lived by the adage “you are only young once, but you can be immature forever.” He was a child at heart - he never lost his sense of wonder and zest for life. He would give you the shirt off his back and often did. He had a warmth and kindness that touched everyone he met. He was fiercely loyal and would defend his friends and family to the end. His loved ones will miss his hugs, his energy, and his laugh that echoed through even the most crowded rooms.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anna, his sister Nancy, brother William and sister-in-law Mary. He is survived by his sons, Tighe and Logan, his three brothers Joseph (Judi), Francis, Vance (Susan), and two sisters Patricia (David) Kenney-Bender, and Jennifer (Steve) Gertenbach. Mike is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on

April 14, 2023 at 1:00 pm at

Our Lady of Good Counsel Church

8601 Wolftrap Road

Vienna, VA 22180

Reception immediately following in DeSales Hall at the church.

The burial will be held on

April 15, 2023 at 11:00 am at

Fairfax Memorial Park

9900 Braddock Road

Fairfax, VA 22032

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the 501(c)3 non profit organization Motorcycle Missions (http://motorcyclemissions.org/donate) that is focused on helping veterans and First Responders with PTS(D) find hope and healing through motorcycle therapy