December 26th, 1942 – November 16th, 2025
Michael B. Kenney passed peacefully November 16th, 2025. His final days were surround by his children, listening to his favorite tune’s…sung by his favorite musicians.
Michael was born December 26th, 1942, in San Francisco, CA to Benjamin and Faith Kenney. By the age of three his family moved to Palo Alto, where his most cherished memories began. He made lifelong friendships that begun as early as elementary school continuing through Wilbur junior high school and before his tenth year, Michael’s family moved to Los Altos where he became an Eagle at Los Altos High School with the class of 61. After his high school, Michael started Foothill Junior College where life truly began. He made more friends and discovered his talent with the game of pool. Michael along with his college friends enjoyed playing in competitions at the infamous Cochran’s Billiards Hall on Market Street in San Francisco. His pool earnings would help pay his way though college and life was just beginning…..creating lasting friendships, breaking hearts, and having babies.
By 1970 Michael became a father to his first born, Megan Elizabeth. Around the same time, Michael used his savvy math skills to become an entrepreneur. In 1974 he established United Home Loan Inc., his first company, additionally he began investing in avocado farms in Southern California. Due to his entrepreneurial spirit, Michael ventured outside of the real estate and the avocado business and began investing in fast cars and racehorses. He settled down with the love of his life a Palo Alto native, Maureen Patricia Nook. And on October 11, 1975, the two tied the knot. Michael and Maureen were embracing newfound success amongst real estate adventures, avocado farms, and racehorse winnings. Michael’s strong work ethic, charismatic personality, determination, and grit was prospering. On March 1st, 1980, Michael and Maureen welcomed a baby girl, Allison Jeanne, and 15 months later, to the day, Jason Michael was born, June 1st, 1981.
Michael lived life to the fullest, was blessed with good health and enjoyed his many friendships. He stayed active in sports and played competitive tennis before learning the game of golf. He volunteered to coach his children’s sports teams and never missed any of his daughter’s tennis matches or his son’s baseball games.
By the early 2000s, Michael had conquered a few successful real estate developments in the San Ramon valley east to the Central Valley and north to Sacramento. His company had expanded throughout Northern California. Despite his success, Michael remained true to his humble beginnings whose generous heart found joy in giving back and helping others in need. Not just momentarily but by mentoring other young entrepreneurs through his leadership skills.
By 2005, Michael’s good health allowed him to play golf with his friends all around the world. His golf adventures gave him much pleasure to spend time with his dear friends making the most unforgettable memories. From Thailand, to Australia, to the ice bars in Switzerland, Paris, Marbella, Brazil and many more. Not to forget his memorable travels within the US, trips to New York, Augusta, and several fly fishing trips around the Pacific Northwest.
Some would say Mike or Big Mike the most interesting man in the world, others knew him as the Godfather, or Peck, but we knew him as dad. We will never live a day without thinking of the good memories, or remembering the values, work ethic he instilled within us.
Michael was surrounded by his family and close loved ones in his final years. He is preceded in death by his both of his patents and former wife Maureen Patricia Kenney (d. 2020) He is survived by his three children, Megan Kenney, Allison Jones (Jon) and Jason Kenney (Serena), his grandsons, Benjamin and Branden, his sister Sherrill Stone and his grand-fur babies, Sadie, Cheeto, Coco & Puff. Michael will be laid to rest on his birthday, December 26th, at Green Hills Cemetery in Ranchos Palos Verdes next to his mother, Faith, father, Benjamin and grandmother, Georgia. A private celebration to honor is life is set for February 13th at Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club where Michael enjoyed many years as a golf member.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask for donations to be made in memory of Michael Kenney to support the Little Learners Program, a nonprofit early childhood program operated by LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (nonprofit tax ID #94-1415317), which helps children with blindness or visual impairments by providing specialized services to them and their families in northern Californa and central California. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/inmemoryofmichaelbkenney/