Obituaries
Richard “Sparky” Kenney, 51
June 20, 2017
Richard, or as he preferred, “Sparky,” passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Virginia Beach, VA, Sparky was a long-time resident of the Tri-County area. He attended Milton Hershey School where he cultivated his closest lifelong friends. Sparky enlisted in the Marines and when he returned, worked for the Lancaster New Era and continued to add to his collection of lifelong friends. Lancaster was where he met the love of his life, Cathryn.
Hardworking and always looking for an opportunity, he joined a construction company in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, afterwards, he created his own highly successful company, STRONGBACK Renovation Specialist.
Sparky was always dedicated to wife, Cathryn, his mother, Mary Louise, who recently passed away, his sister, Susan, and his brother Stephen. A special man with a huge heart, Sparky continued to be a part of the lives of not only his Lancaster friends and family, as well as the new found friends in Florida. We love you Sparky. Semper Fi!
Always proud to be a Marine and fond of dogs, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Sparky to www.K9FORWARRIORS.org. This organization matches rescue dogs with Veterans suffering with PTSD.
A Celebration of Sparky’s life will be held at 2PM, on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
June 27, 2017
Sparky was a great guy! He was funny, honest and sincere. We had a blast at O’Hallorans! He always made the effort to keep in touch & we’ve remained friends for the past 20 years. I’m very sorry for his families loss, he was a genuinely great person. I’m sad to be saying goodbye.
Jenna Benard
June 27, 2017
The Hahnemann family (Bob, Sandy, Doug and Ellen Marie) from Ponte Vedra Beach would like to express our sincere condolences over the passing of Sparky. We knew Sparky from doing business with him in Ponte Vedra. He was a man that you felt priveleged to work with and call a friend. His integrity, compassion and work ethic were beyond reproach. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the family.
June 27, 2017
We will miss you, your big heart and smile and all the quality craftsmanship you did for us over the years Sparky! K9’s for Warriors has a donation in your name. Rest in peace!
Brian & Lisa
June 26, 2017
Sparky my Brother, I have not seen you in years, but I’ll never forget that neverending smile on your face. You always seemed to brighten up any situation. You made the days at Milton Hershey School so much better with your humor, and easy going attitude. My condolences go out to Sparky’s family, and friends. May he rest in peace, and may the Lord hold him in the palm of his hands. He will be missed, but never forgotten. He was a true Spartan.
Love you Brother,
John M. Long MHS ’83
June 23, 2017
I got to see you Smile and light up the room! Rest in Peace!!!!
June 23, 2017
My condolences to you Cathy….Sparky left an impression on myself and my dad Paul on South 5th St in Columbia ….I loved hearing their Marine story’s…God Bless and take care….Charles”Smoke”Smith
June 23, 2017
I don’t have the proper words to say my brother. We are bonded by our Brotherhood and the incredible friendship we shared. Memories that will last me, until I see you again, guarding the Gates of Heaven. Semper Fidelis my brother, till Vahalla, we meet again as warriors
Cpl. Bert Hernandez
United States Marine Corps
June 23, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Sparkys passing. I attended Thaddeus Stevens and played football with him. He was a great motivator for the whole team. My best memory of him was at a wrestling match when he completely destroyed a guy that was supposed to be a great wrestler. I remember sparky was a bundle of energy and constant movement in that match. Again my condolenses.
Gordon Mitchem. Class of 87
June 23, 2017
Sparky is going to be missed by many people. I am so honored to have been his friend. He will always be bigger than life, our own legend. May he rest in peace and know that Cathryn will be surrounded by people who love them both. Ching-A-Ling Dear Sparky. Butch and “Miss” Carol.
June 23, 2017
May you rest in peace my friend , and my deepest condolences to your family and friends. From Anthony Dejesus and family
June 23, 2017
You will be missed by your friends at Roland Court. RIP
Terry and Gayle Mowry
June 23, 2017
Sparky you were a great friend and mentor me and anthony will always miss you rest in peace brother we love you sorry for the outcome wish the family the best much love
June 23, 2017
RIP Sparky. I will always remember the countless evenings playing round robin softball with Mr Fink at Dogwood.
June 23, 2017
To the family of “Sparky”, please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one.
I knew him while at Milton Hershey in the Dogwood Student home, about 1979. We worked hard when we had to please Mrs. Fink, our strict housemother. We played hard every time we were sent outside. We also wrestled together working to improve our moves. Even though my brother and I were scrawny back then, Sparky always encouraged us to be our best. I do recall he stood up to an older classmate once who was picking on a younger peer, that’s the kind of guy he was. It is no surprise to hear he became a Marine.
Since those days, we regrettably lost contact. Over the years, I always remembered his smile, friendly demeaner, and strong desire to succeed in all he did. It seems like he lived his dream.
I hope he remembers the “Dogwood Handshake” in case he meets Mr. Fink in the afterlife.
June 22, 2017
We will miss Sparky
