Michael F. Hennessy passed away peacefully in the early hours of Easter morning, Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born in New York City on February 13, 1943, to Michael J. and Deborah “Dora” Murphy Hennessy, he was the youngest of four children: Mary, Kathleen “Kay,” Helen, and Michael.
Michael was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kathleen, his parents, his sisters Kathleen “Kay” Hennessy and Mary Fogarty, as well as his brother-in-law Kevin Byrne.
He is survived by his daughter, Michele Hennessy, from his first marriage to Barbara Mata, and his stepdaughter, Julie Roman.
From his second marriage to Kathleen Ryan, he is survived by their three children: daughters Stacy Murray and Kerry Doughty, and son Michael J. Hennessy, as well as his stepson, Billy Stroud. He is also survived by his grandsons, Jackson, Conner, and Gavin Doughty, and his sons-in-law, Ted Murray and Scott Doughty.
He is also survived by his sister Helen Byrne; nieces Deborah Barbachem, Denise Fogarty, and Maureen Germain; nephews Stephen Fogarty, Michael Byrne, and Brian Byrne; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.
During his youth, the Hennessy family was parishioners at the Roman Catholic Church of the Ascension, where Michael and his three sisters received their Holy Sacraments.
Michael attended Ascension Grammar School and went on to attend Bishop Dubois High School, where he played competitive basketball and proudly recalled being on the team that won the intramural championship in 1958–1959. He subsequently graduated from Rhodes Preparatory School in Manhattan in 1960.
Later in life, he became a longtime resident of the Riverdale section of the Bronx, a community he deeply loved. He especially enjoyed long walks in Van Cortlandt Park, sitting by the lake, as well as walks and mornings spent along the riverfront in Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, and Tarrytown. He enjoyed relaxing days at the beach, where he thoroughly enjoyed taking a swim, looking out at the horizon, the blue sky, and the breeze, simply being surrounded by nature.
He fondly remembered the years he spent in Boston running businesses and raising his youngest children with his wife Kathleen. His love for all the Boston teams—especially the Boston Red Sox—could be seen in most everything he wore, as well as in the countless hours he spent watching and discussing the games.
Michael will be remembered as a vibrant man filled with magnetic charm and charisma. He was attentive, easygoing, funny, generous, and gracious. He was genuinely interested in others in a way that immediately put people at ease.
His beautiful blue eyes and bright, engaging smile, warmth, friendliness, and youthful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He was a deeply individualistic man and lifelong student of life who possessed great compassion and empathy for others. Michael had a rare and remarkable gift for conversation and connection.
His insight and intellect inspired everyone he met. He was the kind of person who truly listened without judgment and made others feel seen, heard, and valued.
A cherished family member and devoted friend, Michael’s love and support never wavered. He was a resilient and deeply spiritual man who overcame significant hardships and struggles and used these experiences to empathically reach out to others.
His deep faith in God was central to the way he lived and how he conducted himself. Toward the end of his life, he often encouraged and reassured those around him by sharing heartfelt sentiments such as:
“Believe That I Believe,”
“All Is Well with My Soul,”
“Miracle of Miracles, I Am Truly Blessed,”
“Let Go and Let God.”
These words reflect both his faith and the peace and wisdom he carried with him and lovingly tried to instill in others.
Devoutly principled and unceasingly kind, he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. Michael will be remembered as a man of deep faith, grace, kindness, humor, warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Margaret’s Church on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 9:45 a.m.
Immediately following the Mass, a Remembrance Ceremony will take place at Michael’s favorite bench located at the far end of the children’s playground facing the field off Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
After the Remembrance Ceremony, a Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at Downey’s Restaurant beginning at 12:00 noon.
“Believe That I Believe,” “All Is Well with My Soul,” “Miracle of Miracles, I Am Truly Blessed,” and “Let Go and Let God.”
These words—and the love, grace, humor, and humanity behind them—will remain.
Kindly RSVP for the Celebration of Life luncheon no later than Saturday, June 20 by calling his daughter Michele at 347-684-4371 or via email at hennessy_michele@yahoo.com