RIP, Tom Kenville

Written by The Sweet Science

Thursday, 06 September 2012 19:24

Readers, I received this note from BWAA President Jack Hirsch on Thursday. He alerted me to the death of BWAA board member Tom Kenville, who I had minimal interaction with, sadly. I moved to NY in 1999, and did indeed come in contact with Tom a few times early on. He had anecdotes galore to share, and did so happily. ---Editor Mike

Here is Jack's note, and Tom's obit follows the note.

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Tommy
Kenville at age 82. Kenville had an amazing career, which you can read about in
the attached obit, but it is his body of work within the BWAA that made him
special to many of us who knew him.

Kenville won the BWAA's James J. Walker award for "Long and Meritorious
Service" in 1983. In 1999, we bestowed upon him the Marvin Kohn "Good Guy"
award.

You can say that Kenville's passing marks the end of an era. Any written
archives on the history of the BWAA pale in comparison to the great stories he
told.

Kenville continued to serve on the BWAA's board of directors until his
death, but after moving to Binghamton approximately 10 years ago his
involvement was no longer as hands-on. However, the legacy he left is enormous
to all who knew him.

For many years Kenville played an integral role in the planning of our yearly
awards banquet. He was the go to guy whenever we needed something done.

On a personal level, Tommy Kenville was my mentor within the BWAA. My
level of involvement would never have been what it is without his support,
encouragement, and influence.

Everyone who knew Tommy Kenville had enormous respect for him both
personally and professionally. Keep him in your thoughts.

Sincerely

Jack Hirsch
BWAA President

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.

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