In Memory Of
Service Information
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, or Lynch-Syndrome International.
Michael Francis Fennessy, Sr.
April 21, 1929 – September 24, 2021
Born in Coolisheal, County Waterford, Ireland
of Garden City, NY and Ocala, Florida
Died peacefully of natural causes at the age of 92 amongst family.
Predeceased by his wife Kathleen (Mallon) of 58 years.
Father of 10 children – Cathleen Whelan (Shawn),
Michael Jr. (Martha), James (dec.) (Sharon), Marie Wendorff,
Deirdre (James Regan), Patrick (Leslie), Julianne Shirley (Teddy), John, Eileen Weller (Marc), Daniel (dec.)
32 Grandchildren + 2 Great-Grandchildren
Mike emigrated from Ireland to the USA in 1949 with pennies in his pockets and one goal – to be a success.
He honed his trade as a Master Bricklayer and founded Shannon Construction Co. – a New York based general contracting and construction management company.
In the 1980’s he purchased prime property and developed custom luxury homes in Garden City, New York. Following his passion for racing – Mike owned - bred – trained and raced thoroughbred horses. He enjoyed much success on the track – most notably with Yanks Music – the 1996 Eclipse Award Winner – 3-year-old Champion filly.
Mike was a lover of Irish Music, dancing and the never-ending ‘sing-along’.
Mike sought challenges – he was competitive – persistent – hardworking – the eternal optimist; he had a dazzling smile - twinkling blue eyes and the ‘gift of the gab’. He recounted unbelievable stories of his youth in Ireland, the Fennessy Bar in the Rockaways (in the 1950’s) along with his brothers Tommy and Paddy and countless dances in NYC with sisters Eileen and Esther.
Mike and his incredible wife Kay overcame many challenges yet experienced great joy raising their family of ten. He fulfilled many of his childhood dreams becoming an American success story - rags to riches – the immigrant kid who accomplished it all.
An Unforgettable Man