MBA Past President Raymond J. Kenney Jr.
The Massachusetts Bar Association is saddened to share the news that MBA Past President Raymond J. Kenney Jr. (1977-78), prominent Boston trial attorney of Woburn, and formerly of Winchester, died peacefully on April 3, at 90 years old. A founder of the law firm Martin, Magnuson, McCarthy and Kenney, he was a giant among his peers in the Massachusetts bar, albeit a gentle one.
He was a man of deep faith and known for the kind word and warm smile he offered to his countless friends and acquaintances. Son of the late Raymond J. Kenney and Gertrude T. (McManus) Kenney, he was predeceased by his elementary school sweetheart and wife of over 60 years, Claire L. (Ducey) Kenney; his daughter, Marianne L. Lordi; and brother, Robert T. Kenney. He is survived by his sons, Raymond J. Kenney, III of Winchester, Stephen V. Kenney and his wife, Dr. Lisa B. Kenney of Newbury and Boston, John M. Kenney and his wife, Lizanne T. Kenney of Summit, New Jersey and Quissett; his son-in-law, William R. Lordi of Katonah, New York; and sister, Virginia Kennedy of Belmont. He will be missed dearly by his ten adoring grandchildren: Diana and her husband Matt, Christina and her fiancé, Peter, Ryan, Andrew, Caroline, Mary Margaret, Grace, Evelyn, John, and Angela.
Born in Belmont, he was proud to be known as a "Triple Eagle", having graduated from Boston College High School, Boston College, and Boston College Law School. After college, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Devens before completing law school and beginning his heralded legal career.
As a trial attorney, he represented clients in state and federal courts where he accumulated an enviable record of juries finding for the clients he defended in cases of automobile and product liability earlier in his career, and later in cases of medical malpractice defense, for which he was known as a meticulous client advocate and formidable opponent. When not in court, he served his peers through his decades of writing and teaching on these and other areas of the law.
Recognized as a leader in his profession, he was elected to serve as President of the Massachusetts and New England Bar Associations, appointed as the first Chairman of the Governor's Judicial Nominating Commission, and proudly served as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. At his beloved alma mater, Boston College, he was elected President of its Alumni Association. To honor him and the University he loved, his children endowed a scholarship in his name at Boston College Law School.
Ray and Claire raised their family in Winchester, where they lived for over 40 years. He was a citizen servant in the town he loved, serving as an elected town meeting member, member and Chairman of the Town of Winchester Finance Committee, Town Moderator, and Corporator of Winchester Savings Bank and Winchester Hospital. He took particular joy in serving with his fellow board members and the staff at Winchester Mount Vernon House, where he was a board member for over 30 years, and President for the three years prior to his passing. He was an active member of St. Mary's Parish, serving for many years on its Finance Committee. He also enjoyed dear friendships as a longtime member of the Winchester Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raymond J. Kenney Jr. Law School Scholarship Fund at Boston College Law School, 885 Centre Street, Newton, MA 02459. For online condolences, please visit www.lanefuneral.com.
An obituary was originally published by The Boston Globe from April 6 to April 7, 2023.