The Life of Mr. David S. Kenney
David S. Kenney, 71, of Kutztown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of Deborah M. (Nehilla) Kenney, whom he married on June 11, 1977.
Born and raised in Norristown, Mr. Kenney was a son of the late Howard D. and Thelma C. (Miller) Kenney and was a graduate of Norristown Area High School. He continued his education at Montgomery County Community College, where he received an Associate’s degree in Business Administration; Kutztown University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s degree in Education, and Lehigh University, where he received his second Master’s degree in Educational Technology.
Mr. Kenney was a dedicated teacher and educator for 35 years, beginning in The Brandywine Heights Area School District, Topton, for four years, and then Kutztown Area School District for the remaining 30, where he primarily taught 8th grade History at the Jr. High / Middle School. He was also one of the Driver Education classroom teachers and on-the-road instructors for many years. He will be fondly remembered by his former students for bringing history alive with his master storytelling techniques and ability to engage them in his teachings and life lessons.
David honorably and faithfully served his country in The United States Army during the Vietnam War. As a wounded combat veteran, he received The Military Order of the Purple Heart, and became a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown where he was involved with several of the church committees and was an integral part of their recent anniversary celebration. Mr. Kenney also served as a former Assistant Leader for Boy Scout Troop 101, Kutztown, where he enjoyed camping, cooking, and of course, storytelling.
In his free time, Dave enjoyed gardening, riding his tractor, tinkering around his home and being a real handyman, going to the movies followed by dinner with his family, Philadelphia sports teams, traveling, and the cultural things in life. Above all, he was the #1 supporter of his children and the activities that they were a part of. Most recently, he was a proud grandfather.
In addition to his wife Deborah, David is survived by his three children, Matthew S., husband of Elizabeth A. (Metzger) Kenney, Newtown, PA, Stephen T. Kenney, Philadelphia, and Susan M. (Kenney), wife of Lyle A. Green, Mertztown; two grandchildren, Lucas S. Kenney and Brantley L. Green; twin brother, Alan L. Kenney, Dade City, FL; sister, Emogene L. (Kenney), wife of Glenn Weller, Penhook, VA; and brother-in-law, Donald R. Bowen, widower of Kathleen (Nehilla) Bowen, who died August 30, 2020.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, with The Reverend John C. Maria, Celebrant. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. in the church. The family kindly requests masks be worn while attending services in the church.
Burial with military honors will be held privately by his family in Holy Savior Cemetery, Bethlehem.
Contributions may be made in David’s memory to the Kutztown Area School District Education Foundation Memorial Fund, 251 Long Lane, Kutztown, PA 19530 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Click to View Memorial Tribute Video for David S. Kenney
Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.
Filter Mr. David S. Kenney's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
1991.12.24
8th grade history
Mr. Kenny always had a smile and a great story. One of those teachers that you always remembered later in life! He touched many lives throughout his career as an educator and will be greatly missed.
1992.10.12
Teacher
I loved Mr. Kenny's class. I remember how fascinated he was with my grandfather's WWII war journal. He touched so many lives.
1992.12.24
One of the best teachers
I remember back in school he would start a normal scheduled lesson and when he got done he would tell stories of his time in Vietnam. I loved his class because of how he made the lessons come alive, he definitely spiked my interest in history to the point I still like to watch documentaries. He will be missed for sure Rest easy Mr. Kenney
2021.12.23
Friend
He was such a nice man. When I worked at the Middle school he always helped me our.
Great Great man.
So sorry for you loss.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
2021.12.23
Fellow teacher
I taught down the hall from Dave for many years at the Middle School. I always admired how he was able to captivate his students with his knowledge of subject matter, humor, and storytelling. He was a good staff member and friend. Our sincere condolences to the family for this tragic and sudden loss.
2021.12.23
Always there for me
Dave was always there for me when we worked together at the middle school. He was respected by so many. I was deeply touched when he wrote a letter to the district to keep me in his classroom which I thoroughly enjoyed working in. His stories that he told the children and experiences he shared were just a joy. I remember visiting the museum at Army campus and telling stories of the war of 1812 that he told in class. The group I was visiting with thought I knew so much, not really, he just was such a great teacher that I remembered so much of it. Very honored I was able to work along side of him and that because our children were the same age we also became friends. Sue C
2021.12.24
Mr kenney
Thank you Mr kenney for making history fun. Your stories are embedded in my heart.
2021.12.24
History class
8th grade history class was always a fun time for me. Mr. Kenny would always start with his lesson and then someone would mention something and boom off on a tangent Mr. Kenney would go about his days in Vietnam. I remember the one story he told was about receiving ice in a care package while he was out in the jungle. He said it was the best thing in the world. Greatest teacher I ever had.
2021.12.24
One of the greatest KASD teachers.
Mr. Kenny was one of the greatest professional teachers to ever set foot in a classroom. He made history come alive. I always looked forward to 8th grade history. I still remember reciting the preamble to the Constitution. I even read the rest of it because of him! His willingness to share his Vietnam experiences was amazing to say the least. No one that had him as a teacher will ever forget his love and passion for the art of teaching.
2021.12.26
BOURSE BUILDING ESCAPE
Dave was a great man, a great teacher and a great friend.
My favorite Dave story happened in about 1990. We used to take an eighth grade field trip every year to Philadelphia where we’d see the historic sites and eat lunch in the food court at the Bourse Building. Dave had just ordered and gotten his cheesesteak when a fairly loud, real fist fight broke out between two of our female students. Dave and I quickly talked. While I snatched up the girls and headed for the Third Street exit of the building, Dave distracted the Philadelphia police who were coming in from the Fourth Street entrance. I got the girls sorted and went back to find Dave. When I got to him he had everything calmed down but had lost his cheesesteak to a bus boy who had kept cleaning tables during all of the excitement. Dave never let me forget that I still owed him a cheesesteak.
2021.12.27
KASD Colleague
Dave was a mesmerizing story teller. He shared one of his stories of Vietnam during a Memorial Day assembly at the middle school. He emphasized he was not being honored that day because it was a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country. The day to thank those who served was Veterans Day, Nov. 11. I've always remembered that. I would have loved to be a mouse in his class to hear the stories that brought life to history. His smile will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
2023.12.23
Teacher
Mr. Kenny was an amazing teacher. He always kept the class interesting. I couldn't wait to get to his class. He also had this smile that would light up the room. I've known Mr. Kenny since I was a little girl. He was one of my brothers scout leader's. I would be that sister that tagged along to boys outtings whenever I could. He would keep the boys engaged and interested in what he was doing or saying. That was the same way in the classroom. You will be missed. 🙏🙏🙏🙏