Richard (Dick) D. Kennis, 86, of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, surrounded by family.
He was born on September 13, 1939, in Rochester, New York, to A. Ken and O. Muriel Kennis. Richard spent much of his life as a master carpenter, construction manager, and entrepreneur. He was famously known for his quick wit and humor, dedication to hard work, quiet pride, impeccable manners, and natural dignity, always presenting himself in a refined, classic style. Family and friends will remember him best for his effortless and genuine smile and unforgettable blue eyes.
He is survived by his daughters, Dawn Kennis and Cheryl Eigg and her husband, Dr. Marc Eigg; stepdaughter Cheryl Esposito; stepsons Paul and Andrew Begg; grandchildren Cory Parker, David Parker, Jessica Feigley, Alison Doser and fiancé Brandon Brice, Duncan Eigg, Esq., Jackson Eigg and fiancée Kiana Hammarth, Ryan Esposito, and Emma Esposito; nephew Bradley Kennis; niece Kim Kennis; and great-grandchildren Hunter Wasco, Harper Clayton, Alex Clayton, and River Feigley. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeannie Kennis; his father, A. Ken Kennis; his mother, O. Muriel Kennis; his brother, Robert Kennis; and cousins John Winterroth and Carol Sentiff.
In his free time, he enjoyed boating, classic cars, building unique pieces of furniture, vacationing with family, card games after dinner with family, meeting friends for a cocktail and laughs, and spending time outside to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
The family would like to thank the Wilmot Cancer Center; Dr. Deepak Sahasrabudhe and his nurses, Kim and Savannah; Dr. Michael Milano; Dr. Timothy Winslow; and the many kind and supportive nurses on the seventh floor.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
19 responses to “Kennis, Richard D.”
So sorry for your loss. Remember the good times and he will never truly be gome.
I only met Richard two years ago. But enjoyed many family get togethers and conversations with him since then. I always appreciated his sense of humor and his famous Manhattan cocktails. I always asked him why they always tasted so good. He told me that he stuck his finger in it! That magic touch in my drink will be sorely missed. My love and prayers goes out to his family who I adore dearly.
Dicky lived a full and great life! Made the best VO manhattan’s with a touch of cherry juice. I will miss his one liners and quick wit. He recognized how lucky he was. Most of all he loved his daughters and family! Rest in peace Dicky!
He was such fun, so special and will be missed by everyone who became his friend.
Rest in peace, Dick. My love to Dawn Cheryl and all of his family.
A true gentleman and easy man to care about. My husband and I enjoyed his company and his humor! We will miss you Dickie!
So sorry for the whole family’s loss. He will long be remembered. Even though he is gone he will live in your memories. Only think of the good times😍
So very sorry to hear this! Dicky was such a nice man, everything that was so amazingly written about him fits to the tee! I will miss him and his life stories! RIP my friend!🙏
I went all through school with Dick in Brighton..he was fun and a great person..the family will miss him and his many conversations…Linda Adams
I knew him from the YMCA in Penfield! Always a big smile and kind word.
Chuck and I will miss Dick. He was all that was described and more. Chuck shared being a Shriners with him which brought them closer together. Loved out convetsayions about travel and family.
Mr. Kennis was a great man. He was always so kind and personable. My condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Kennis.
Dick always said what a great life he had, giving credit to our Lord Jesus, and caring deeply for his daughters and family. I’m thankful for the love, caring and sharing we had, and will see him again soon. May all his family be comforted and kept in the love of God.
“….To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Rev2:17
Dick Kennis and Emmett at the Monroe YMCA in about 1950. I’ll touch base with him throughout the years and may Richard rest in peace.
Dick was one of my best friends! He and Mary were best man and matron of honor in our wedding, in the summer of 1972. His quick wit never failed to crack me up. We had many laughs together, and great times. I will miss him very much, but know we’ll meet again on the other side!
I have known Dick for 50 almost years . He loved life to the fullest, and always had wonderful things to say about everyone. He loved his family more than anything and always was cheerful, kind and lead with a big beautiful smile . I’m sure he is the life of the party up in Heaven 🙏🙏
Perry and Linda send condolences to Dicks family and friends. Brighton residents and classmates through high school. Lots of fun.
Ever so handsome. God love and keep him🙏🥲.
I have so many fond memories of Dick growing up. To this day I’ve never met anyone so full of life and energy. He was always so much fun to be around. Praying for Dawn and Cheryl and the entire family.
To Richard’s Family:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Richard was a truly wonderful man. I so enjoyed having him at East Blvd., and I’ll always cherish how we bonded over my gardens and our shared love of the outdoors. I feel grateful to have known him, and I will think of him fondly each time I place the butterfly and tractor spinners he so thoughtfully gave me in the garden. He will always be part of those peaceful moments outside.