RIP, Tom Kenville

Thomas J. Kenville, 82, of Binghamton, NY, passed away peacefully on September 4 at the Susquehanna Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, following a more than two-year battle with cancer. Born on November 16, 1929 in Queens, NY, Tom lived in New York City for most of his life before moving to Binghamton in 2001 to be with family members. He is predeceased by his wife, Patricia F. Kenville and his parents William J. and Ann M. Kenville. Tom is survived by his loving brother and devoted sister-in-law William M. and Violet M. Kenville of Binghamton, NY. He is also survived by his caring nephews, William M. (Victoria) Kenville of Binghamton, NY, and Mark F. (Kathleen) Kenville of Manlius, NY, his caring nieces Karin K. (John) Combs of Harrison, TN, and Kristeen K. (Michael) Hickey of Eden Prairie, MN, as well as many great-nephews and great-nieces, two great-great-nephews and a great-great niece. Family and friends will remember him for his great love and knowledge of sports, music, theatre and literature. Tom’s upbeat personality, good humor, enjoyment of life and story-telling talents will be missed immensely.

Tom graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1951, then served in the U.S. Army. At the time of his death, he was on the Board of Directors of the Boxing Writers Association of America. During his career, he was a sports writer for the New York Times and the Associated Press, a member of the boxing promotion department at Madison Square Garden and was a publicist for Top Rank Boxing and for boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Among the other positions he held, Tom served as the official scorekeeper for the New York Knicks and New York Rangers.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Binghamton, NY on Saturday, September 8 at 11am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City, NY. J.A. McCormack and Sons Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Contributions in Tom’s memory can be made to St. Bonaventure University.