Obituary - Michael Francis Fennessy Sr
Born in Coolisheal, Ballyduff Upper, County Waterford on April 24th, 1929, Michael Francis Fennessy Sr fulfilled his childhood dreams of becoming an American success story – from rags to riches - the immigrant kid who accomplished it all.
Mike emigrated to the USA in 1949 as a master bricklayer and strove to develop a successful general contracting company and construction management company in New York, namely Shannon Construction Co. He also a developed a successful realty company, Fennessy Realty along with his wife Kay, employing many Irish through the years and assisted them in gaining US citizenship.
Of Garden City, Ny and Ocala, Florida, USA, Mike sadly died peacefully of natural causes at the age of 92, amongst family on September 24 this year. Predeceased by his wife Kathleen (Mallon) of 58 years, he was father of 10 children - Cathleen Whelan (Shawn); Michael Jr. (Martha); James (dec) (Sharon); Marie Wendorf (Thomas) (dec); Deidre Reagan (James); Patrick (Lesley); Julianne Shirley (Teddy); John (Charyse); Eileen Weller (Marc) and Daniel (dec). He leaves behind 32 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Never one to forget his roots, he returned to Ireland and purchased the farm he was
employed on as a teenager, and several other properties in Ireland, while in the 1980’s he furthered his investments in prime properties in the US. A successful businessman, Mike was also a successful owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses, most notably with Yanks Music – the 1996 Eclipse Award Winner – 3-yearold Champion filly. He receiving the coveted Eclipse Award and was awarded as a champion owner and breeder.
Mike and his incredible wife, Kay overcame many challenges in life, yet experienced great joy in raising their family of ten. Described as ‘an unforgettable man, Mike Fennessy will be sadly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam.
REMEMBRANCE MASS
A Mass will be held in remembrance at St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore on this Saturday, December 4th at 6.15pm.