Francis H. Van Kennen, 88, a longtime resident of Pompton Lakes, N.J., and formerly of Norfolk, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 13, 2011.
The family will receive visitors from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Thursday, February 17 at the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains, N.J.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 18 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pompton Reformed Cemetery, Pompton Lakes.
Born and raised in Norfolk, Francis was the son of the late Karl and Goldie Van Kennen. He proudly served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic, during World War II.
He married Jeanette Bosland in 1946. The couple settled in Pompton Lakes in 1956 and together raised two daughters.
Francis was employed by Texaco for over 30 years.
He spent countless hours working on his passion, which was woodworking. He loved being with his family, bringing them laughter and great joy.
Beloved husband of the late Jeanette Van Kennen, with whom he enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Devoted father of Linda Nocella and her husband Frank, and devoted father of Evelyn Hodges of Pompton Lakes. Cherished grandfather of Susan Nocella Bunker, Brandon, Justin, and Shannon Hodges. Loving great grandfather of Elizabeth and Francis Bunker, and Justin and Nicholas Hodges. Also survived by brothers Philip and Robert Van Kennen,
He was pre-deceased by brothers William and Jacque Van Kennen.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perkins School for the Blind, Perkins Trust Office, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA. 02472 would be greatly appreciated at www.perkins.org.
