Kenneth Francis Senerth was born on June 3, 1952 to Bernadette and Kenneth Senerth in Hartford, Connecticut. The oldest of five, Kenneth’s family remained his utmost priority throughout his life. He leaves behind his mother, who he was so privileged to spend time with the last few years of his life going to Church, eating in town, watching the Huskies, and looking on as the mourning doves flew around as they cooked out in her backyard. He leaves behind his daughter Emily (with husband Hadley) who followed him into medical publishing and running. She’ll receive her Masters in Epidemiology in Washington, DC next month- an accomplishment she knows her dad would be so proud of and will celebrate with her in spirit. He leaves behind his daughter Julia (with husband Chris) who will never forget him being her biggest fan- in swimming, in her studies, in her big city pursuits- and as her music mentor instilling a deep love for Hank Williams, Sam Cooke, Steve Earle and of course the Beach Boys. He leaves behind Diane who he never stopped loving, with whom he spent hours on the phone talking about everything and nothing, about their memories and the future, about the hard things that were just too hard and the easy things that could get a good chuckle, even after their marriage ended. He leaves behind his grandchildren Francis and Maeve who, despite the pandemic, he got to share laughs and giggles and precious moments with that everyone will cherish forever. He leaves behind his sister Mary (with husband Mark) and brother Joe (with wife Pam) who were there for him through it all and goes on to join his father and brothers Frank (survived by Julie) and Mark (survived by Sue) in the afterlife. One can only assume that there is a contentious game of setback going on with Uncle Fran and Cousin Pete. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews whose travels and accomplishments he was always happy to brag about.
Ken attended St. Michael’s College, Indiana University for graduate school and moved up in the world of medical publishing before launching an independent venture, The Journal of Applied Research- one of his proudest professional accomplishments. In his life, his great joys revolved around a shared meal off the Big Green Egg, a tailgate and game at Giants stadium with his friends and daughters, a play at McCarter Theater with Diane, poker with Pete, Frank and the guys at 2 Pratt, golf at the Lawrenceville School, or just a long walk by himself by the Connecticut River followed by a good book. He treasured his trips to Ireland, a rare steak, Bing on Christmas morning, a terrible joke, and helping his daughters in their adventures with their pets- from Sammy’s pregnancy to Kevin getting loose in the backyard. He relished in a good argument, Van Morrison on a Friday night in the garage with a cigar, trips to Monmouth Park (betting across the board of course), and always waiting at the finish lines for Emily and Julia. All of those places will forever be where we can be with him.
This loss is a devastating one because while it was sudden it was also a long journey back to God. He struggled, and everyone who loved him dearly struggled too, but he lived deeply with his loved ones and he did everything he could for everyone he knew. No one will ever forget the person he was because he made us the people we are. His family is grateful that he is safe now.
A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, May 3 at 12:00 in St. Paul Church of SS Isidore & Maria Parish, 2577 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT. There will be a visitation the evening before on Monday, May 2 from 5-7 PM at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home 50 Naubuc Avenue, Glastonbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to SS. Isadore and Maria Parish, a special place where he shared his faith with his mother. Donations can be directed by check to 2577 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033. For assistance, they can be reached by telephone at 860-633-9419 or email contact@isidoreandmaria.org. Also, in memory of Ken’s deep love of thoroughbreds and the special memories he shared at the track with his daughters, donations can be made to the Old Friends Equine Farm where Silver Charm spends his days in the sun. Donations can be directed to Old Friends, Inc. (1841 Paynes Depot Road Georgetown, KY 40324) or online at oldfriendsequine.org.