Michael B. Kenney
Dec. 26, 1942-Nov. 16, 2025
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Allison Kenney Jones

Michael B. Kenney passed peacefully November 16th, 2025. Born December 26th, 1942, in San Francisco, CA to Benjamin & Faith Kenney. He was raised in Palo Alto where cherished memories were made. He made lasting friendships as early as elementary school all the way through Wilbur Junior High. Before the 10th grade, Michael’s family moved to Los Altos where Michael became an Eagle at Los Altos High (class ‘61). He enrolled in Foothill Junior College & the adventures of life just began. He made more friends and discovered his talent with the game of billiards. Michael & his friends enjoyed entering competitions at the infamous Cochran’s Pool Hall on Market Street in San Francisco. His earnings helped pay his way through college and life was just starting…creating lasting friendships, breaking hearts, & having babies.

By 1970, Michael became a father to his first born, Megan Elizabeth, and a few years later opened United Home Loan, Inc. Michael invested in avocado farms and enjoyed the brief thrill of owning racehorses. In 1975, he married the love of his life, Maureen Patricia Nook, also a Palo Alto native. Together they had two children, Allison Jeanne and Jason Michael. He lived life to the fullest. His good health allowed him to be active playing tennis and golf.

Michael’s golf adventures became the focal point of his life in the early 2000s. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf & making lifelong memories. These years, spent with his best golf buddies, were some of his most treasured years. Trips to Thailand, Australia, the ice bars in Switzerland, Paris, Marbella, Brazil, and many more. Not to forget his travels within the US, including New York, Augusta along with many fly fishing trips throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Known for his humility and generous heart, he found joy in giving back and helping others. He mentored other young entrepreneurs, instilling the values he lived by; a strong work ethic, integrity, honesty, gratitude, being true to your word & always give back. These are the values he ingrained in his children & mentees, and the values Michael will always be remembered for by so many.

His final years were surrounded by his family & close friends. Michael is preceded in death by his parents & former wife Maureen (d. 2020). He’s survived by his three children, Megan, Allison Jones (Jon) and Jason Kenney (Serena), his grandsons, Benjamin & Branden, his sister Sherrill Stone & grand-fur babies, Sadie, Cheeto, Coco & Puff. Michael was laid to rest on his birthday, December 26th, at Green Hills Cemetery in Ranchos Palos Verdes next to his mother, Faith, father, Benjamin & grandmother, Georgia. A private celebration to honor is life will be on February 13th at Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club where Michael enjoyed many years as a golf member. Donations can 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) Link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/inmemoryofmichaelbkenney/

Tags: veteran, business