Dr. John Kenny, Professor of Physics Emeritus, died at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, August 26, 2004 at his home following a sixteen month battle with a brain tumor.

Born March 24, 1938 in Gradogue, County Leitrim, Ireland, to Michael and Margaret Conboy Kenny, he married Patricia Mullins on September 1, 1962 in New York City.

In addition to his wife Pat, he is survived by two sons, Michael and Paul, and three daughters, Maeve Reilly, Deirdre Manna and Grainne Mahoney. He leaves eight grandchildren, one brother Peter, and two sisters, Pat Nemo and Chris Cuba.

Dr. Kenny received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Clemson University in 1968. He received his B.S. in electrical engineering from St. Louis University in 1959. He also attended Fordham University and New York University.

Dr. Kenny came to Bradley in 1968 and taught physics and astronomy courses until his retirement in January 2004. He was a favorite of students and during his illness received numerous cards and get well wishes from former students.

He was a visiting fellow in mathematics at University College Cork, Ireland in 1994; a National Science Council (Ireland) fellow in environmental energy at University College Galway, Ireland, 1974-19; and a NASA fellow in physics at Clemson University from 1963-1967.

He published numerous articles in professional journals and recently was involved in cold fusion studies in conjunction with faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Kenny was instrumental in founding the Peoria Youth Soccer Association, the Bradley University Club Soccer team, the Clemson University soccer team and the Shamrock Soccer Club in New York.

Active with the Peoria County Democrats, he ran for city council in 1972 and was a delegate for Jimmy Carter at the 1976 Democratic National Convention.

He served on the boards of SHARE Food, St. Mark’s School Athletic Committee, Academy of Our Lady/Spaulding Institute High School Parents Board and the Ancient Astronauts.

He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church where a memorial Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on September 4. Following the Mass, friends and family will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bradley University Student Center. Cremation was accorded.

Memorials may be made to the National Brain Tumor Foundation, 414 13th Street, Suite 700, Oakland, CA 94612; Walk for the Mind, P.O. Box 3033, Peoria, IL 61612-3033; or the Bradley University soccer team.

During John’s illness his daughter Maeve maintained a web site devoted to her father’s courageous struggle, John Kenny’s Battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme.