Robert B. Kenny, Sr., 86, of Erie passed away on April 6, 2017 at Walnut Creek Healthcare in Erie, PA following a brief illness. He was born in Waterford, PA on January 19, 1931 to the late Franklin and Thelma (Fileger) Kenny.

He graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1949 and joined the National Guard. He was federalized into the Army in 1950 during the Korean War and was part of the 112th infantry regiment. He was honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Bob married Jean E. Barbour Kenny in 1952. He worked at Lord Corporation for 42 years until his retirement in 1989. He earned a degree in Industrial Management in 1971. He was an avid hunter, who loved spending time hunting or fishing “in God’s country” at camp. He was a great bowler and a darn good golfer. But his first, and life-long “love” was his career as a softball player.

Bob managed and pitched for the Lord softball team for many years. The team earned their way to the State Tournament, and won 3 straight years, 1969 - 1971. Lord’s also built and dedicated a field in his honor in 1990 at their former Corporate offices on West Grandview Drive in Erie. He also enjoyed teaching others, especially young people, to pitch.

In 1977, he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Softball Hall of Fame and into the Metro Erie Hall of Fame in 1992.

Bob spent 32 years umpiring for various organizations and officially retired after 23 years with the PIAA in 2013. He was honored as umpire of the year in 2011 with the Millhouse Memorial Award. Additionally, Bob was inducted into the National Indicator Fraternity in 1988.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Stanford Kenny and his daughter, Deborah Kenny. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Kenny, his 3 sons, Robert Kenny, Jr. and his wife Deborah, of North East, PA; Brett Kenny and his wife Mary, of Edinboro, PA; Kevin Kenny, of Erie, PA; and his daughter Wendy Sementilli and husband Daniel of Erie, PA. He is also survived by his brother, Frank Kenny and his wife Wilma, of, Erie, PA and his sister Autumn Zeigler, of Erie, PA. Additionally, he is survived by 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Bob was a wonderful husband who will be most remembered for his values of unconditional family love.

Friends are invited to a memorial service at Glenwood United Methodist Church - 2931 Myrtle St, Erie, PA 16508, on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are handled by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. Erie PA 16504. Memorials may be made to Glenwood United Methodist Church, where Bob was a member, or to the charity of one’s choice.

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