Willis M. Kenerley

Willis M. Kenerley, 79, of Manchester, NH died July 22, 2024 at Bedford Hills Center in Bedford, NH. He was born in Kittery, ME on February 27, 1945, the son of Ernest Kenerley and Helen (Ladrie) and Thurston Peabody. He was the husband of the late Maryanne (Hartung) Kenerley. They were married on May 11, 1990 in Windham, NH.

Will attended New Hampshire College, graduating in 1968 with a degree in business. For many years, he owned and operated Vitality Zone in Merrimack, NH and later worked in security for TD Bank, retiring in 2016.

Will was an avid kayaker, leading several paddling trips down the Pemigewasset River. He was a long-time member of the New Hampshire Ski Club and a several-time medal winning athlete in the NH Senior Olympics. Will had a passion and great skill for outdoor sports, often telling stories of the many outrageous “adventures” he had with his children, which often included a few death-defying feats, incredible luck, and guaranteed hilarity all set to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd, his favorite band.

Will was known for his big laugh and even bigger heart. He was a good man who loved his family above all else. There are very few memories of him that won’t leave us smiling – and that’s just how he’d want it.

Will is survived by his brother, Philip Kenerley of Haddon Township, NJ, and his children and grandchildren, Eric, Karen and Josey Kenerley of Norwich, CT and Shannon and Camille St. Don of Manchester, NH. In addition to his wife and parents, Will was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Horne, Barbara West, Betty Bartholomew, and his brother, Robert Kenerley.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 31st. Memorial Gathering from 4-5PM with a Memorial Service at 5PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Will’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association – Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter: https://www.alz.org/manh