Memorial Service
Obituary of Martin J. Kenny
KENNY, Martin J. - Martin J. Kenny, 67, longtime partner and best friend of his beloved wife, Angela, died suddenly on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
Mr. Kenny was born on July 26, 1956 in Bayshore, New York as the oldest son of Maureen and Maurice Kenny. Living in Long Island, NY for most of his childhood, the Kenny family moved to Connecticut in 1965. Marty attended Glastonbury High School, graduating in 1974 and later graduated from Boston University in 1978 and Quinnipiac University School of Law in 1983. Early in his career, Marty worked for United States Senator, Richard Stone in Washington, D.C. He then returned to Connecticut and settled down having his three children, Patrick, Mallory & Kevin with his high school sweetheart and then wife Jane Baribault (Amodio). Marty and Jane have remained life long friends, but chose different life paths leading Marty to marry in 2001 and spend the rest of his life with his love Angela. Angela brought her two daughters, Hilary and Hannah, to the newly formed family who Marty loved as his own.
Professionally, Marty began his career working in the Commercial Real Estate division of a bank and then joined his father, Maurice, in real estate development. This was the beginning of his long and illustrious career as a Real Estate Developer in Hartford. During this time, Marty was involved in developing iconic commercial buildings in Hartford and New Haven: Talcott Plaza and One Century Plaza being two prime examples.
It was through life long friendship and mutual interest in real estate that Marty and Alan Lazowski founded Lexington Partners in 1994.
Marty was at the forefront of multi-family development in Central Connecticut. He applied the lessons learned in his commercial career to the long process of approvals, financing and construction of his first multi-family deal. It took vision, determination and persistence to believe in a Class A development in downtown Hartford in 2005, thus was born Trumbull on the Park.
Marty and Lexington became known for taking on difficult projects that required reimaging a project and creating a compelling story to get community buy-in. Addison Mill (2008), a beautiful project constructed from an 1800’s dilapidated mill building in Glastonbury overlooking a pond, was a site few other developers wanted to touch. The success of Addison Mill led to the long process of developing and constructing challenging sites: The Tannery in Glasonbury (2017), Other multi-family and mixed-use developments in the last several years include Mallory Ridge (Bloomfield), Windsor Station (Windsor), Sage Allen (Hartford), The Borden (Wethersfield), and One Park (West Hartford), a recently completed project of 292 apartments at the site of the former convent, the Sisters of St. Joseph. Marty deeply valued his relationship with the sisters he worked with to make this project possible, as it helped him re-connect with his Catholic upbringing.
Marty began growing Lexington into a larger property management company and redeveloped apartment buildings in the Southeast. He remained loyal to Hartford, his headquarters since the 1980’s. Before his passing, Marty was tirelessly working on new projects. He cared about all the people in his company and their families and was particularly proud to be working with his two sons: Patrick and Kevin.
Marty lived a fairly private personal life, fiercely loyal to his family and friends. His philanthropic contributions to the community were done without fanfare, but they were many. His personal generosity was known to only a few, the examples of which are limitless. Marty created connection and community as his way of life.
Marty was a talented writer, a deep reader and was not afraid to open up his heart and soul in talks with friends, family, and even acquaintances, always reflecting on the lessons he learned from his father and his own past experiences. Throughout his life, Marty always had a magical way with words and a passionate love for his Irish heritage. He was an avid reader of Irish literature and poets. Like his parents, he was a big fan of the New York Mets and the New York Giants. He also loved UConn basketball. His taste in music was versatile, from reggae to classic rock to bluegrass. He was most happy sitting in his living room and listening to music with his wife and children, while his grandchildren ran around the house.
Marty is survived by his wife Angela Kenny, his sons Patrick Kenny (Andrea), Kevin Kenny (Kristen) and his daughters Mallory Williams (Ryan), Hilary St. Amand (Seth) and Hannah Hunt. Marty loved to spend time with his eight grandchildren Adrianna, Luciana, Hunter, Kennedy, Jackson, Reagan, Billy and Isabelle. It was often one of the first things he mentioned in conversation and he was so proud of them. Marty also leaves behind his great friend and mother of his three kids, Jane Amodio (Frank), his brother Christopher Kenny (Donna), his sisters Diane Arnett (David) and Tara Young (the late John Young). Uncle Marty also had special relationships with all of his nieces, nephews and godchildren. He leaves behind many friends and colleagues; especially his lifelong best friend Mark Zimmermann (Bernadette) and close friends and business partners, Alan Lazowski (Marcia) & Chris Reilly (Gosia). He is pre-deceased by his parents, Maurice and Maureen Kenny, his sister Claire Kenny, and his adored nephew Grant Kenny.
Marty lived by the words “walk through walls” and he did just that. He inspires others to do the same.
A Public Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 20th 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St.Patrick–St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church 285 Church Street, Hartford CT, 01603
With a reception to follow at The Society Room Located at 31 Pratt Street in Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to:
The Open Hearth