James J. Kenneally

James J. Kenneally, a dedicated educator, proud veteran, passionate advocate for social justice, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on March 11. Born in 1929 in South Boston, Massachusetts, Jim carried throughout his life a deep commitment to fairness, learning, and community.

For 40 years, Jim was a beloved member of the faculty at Stonehill College, where he inspired generations of students with his engaging teaching and thoughtful scholarship. His academic specialties included labor history and women’s history, subjects that reflected his lifelong concern for fairness and the dignity of working people.

Jim’s commitment to justice extended far beyond the classroom. He was a lifelong advocate for civil rights and workers’ rights, and an active member of the NAACP. Deeply committed to faith and dialogue, he was involved with St. Joan’s Alliance and helped establish a Catholic-Jewish dialogue group dedicated to building understanding and cooperation between communities.

In addition to his academic career and advocacy work, Jim proudly served his country for 33 years in the Air National Guard attaining the rank of full colonel. His service included periods of active duty during both the Korean War and the Berlin Wall crisis. He approached his military responsibilities with the same sense of duty and integrity that guided the rest of his life.

Jim was also an accomplished author and scholar. Over the course of his career, he published four books and numerous articles, contributing thoughtful research and perspective to the fields he loved.

Above all, Jim treasured his family. He shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Louise, whose partnership and support were central to his life.

He was the proud father of three children: Stephen Kenneally and his wife Judy of Andover, Massachusetts; Ann Puccetti and her husband Mark of Southington, Connecticut; and David Kenneally and his wife Cheryl of Carver, Massachusetts. He was a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren: Stephanie, Matthew, Gregory, and Maureen Puccetti, Nicole and James Kenneally, and Eve and Joanna Kenneally. Also, a great-grandfather to his two great-grandchildren, Liam Johnson and Emilia Puccetti. He is also survived by his niece Antoinette Dalton of Londonderry NH and his close friend Ed Hynes of Waltham.

Jim also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and Boston College football, rarely missing a chance to follow his teams.

James J. Kenneally will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, compassion, and unwavering belief in justice and human dignity. His legacy lives on through the many students he inspired, the causes he championed, and the family who loved him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:00 am, at the Chapel of Mary, located on the campus Stonehill College, in North Easton. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am, prior to the funeral mass. Interment with military honors will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery at 1:45 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Kenneally Professorship, Office of Advancement, Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street, North Easton, MA 02357.

For directions and online condolences, please visit www.ConleyFuneralHome.com