In Memory of Matthew “Nigel” Kenny ’07
MATTHEW R. “NIGEL” KENNY ’07 of Orland Park, Illinois, died Jan. 29, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in politics and government and participated in Student Senate, football and as president of Phi Delta Theta/Alpha Phi Omega. He worked at Xtra Lease in Chicago and was a White Sox fan. He enjoyed political debates, yard work and motorcycles. Survivors include his wife, Kate; one son and one daughter.
Full Obituary:
Matthew Reid Kenny, 35, of Orland Park passed away peacefully on January 29, 2021. Matt was born February 28, 1985 in Palos Heights, Illinois to John and Sandra Kenny. Matt was fondly called Mogie by his family and childhood friends and Nigel by his college friends.
Matthew is survived by his wife Kate, children Allison and Robert, his parents John and Sandy, brother Jeff and sister Julie. Brother Steve and wife Laura, niece Cara and nephew Ryan Kenny. He also leaves behind a faithful puggle, Goonie.
Matt graduated from St Laurence High School in 2003 where he was a three sport athlete while also working at Aurelio’s Pizza. He went on to attend Ripon College where he was a kicker on the football team and studied Political Science and Sociology. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he served as president and formed many lifelong friendships.
Upon graduation he moved back to Chicago where he met his wife Kate and started his career at Xtra Lease, where he worked until he passed. Matt and Kate had their first child Allison in 2016 and Matt immediately embraced being a “girl dad.” They had their second child in 2020, a son, Robert, who he loved dearly.
Matt was a loyal friend, family man and White Sox fan. He is best described as the friendliest person in the room and goodbyes typically took hours at parties. He finally won his fantasy football team shortly before his passing. Matt enjoyed long political debates and yard work. After he developed several heart issues in 2018 he started new hobbies including motorcycles and drinking non-alcoholic beer. He was an amazing father, son, brother and husband and will be dearly missed by anyone who ever met him.
Services will be private. Arrangements entrusted to the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood.