Pat Kenealy

Pat Kenealy died on September 16, 2023 at the age of 71. Born February 16, 1952 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Pat spent most of his life in Denver where he graduated from East High School and from Metropolitan State with his bachelor’s degree.

One of his happiest moments came when he married the love of his life, Sharon. He was immensely proud of the beautiful life and family they built together. Anyone who visited their home was greeted with warmth, care, fun, and lots of laughter.

Pat’s greatest joy in life was his daughter Katy Laine, whom he loved fiercely. Being a dad came naturally – he was always Katy’s greatest cheerleader, never missed an opportunity to spend time together, and treated her friends like they were his own. He prioritized family over all else, and his unconditional love for Sharon and Katy was always apparent.

A dedicated firefighter, Pat was deeply committed to his community. He loved his time in the firehouse, where he faithfully and enthusiastically served alongside his crew. Prior to his tenure with the Denver Fire Department, he served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

He was happiest when he was sharing laughter and great stories with friends and family. He was also a deeply passionate person, especially when it came to his faith, baseball, music – in particular The Beach Boys and Alabama – and the dogs that became Kenealy family members over the years.

Pat is survived by his wife Sharon, his daughter Katy and son-in-law Eddie Thenell, as well as his grandpup Murphy. He is also survived by his brother Sean Kenealy and his daughter Ryleigh, his brother and sister-in-law Marc and Margene Ricciardi, his nephew Ryan Ricciardi, his niece Elyse Swedberg, her husband Drew, and their daughter Melina.

He will be celebrated in a service at Fort Logan National Cemetery on October 5, 2023 at 11am. The family suggests that any remembrances be made to Denver Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation at: https://dffcf.com/donate