Obituary of Deacon Richard A. Kenton
Deacon Richard A. Kenton, 78, of Piscataway, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, September 25, 2019. Born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Alexander and Lillian Simchik, he lived in Pennsylvania and eventually settled to Piscataway with his loving wife Marianne (McGowan) Kenton.
After graduating from Grand Army of the Republic Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he studied at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in history.
Deacon Richard retired after a lengthy career as a corporate security manager at the Warren-based Anadigics, Inc. Prior to retirement, he earned the designation of Certified Protection Professional.
Deacon Richard earned a certificate in diaconal ministry from College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown and was ordained to the diaconate June 12, 2004, by Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen. He was vested under Father J. Maciej Melaniuk of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in South Plainfield. His ministry at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish included serving as parish catechetical leader and on numerous parish committees, preaching from the Altar, conducting liturgies and training altar servers.
Additionally, he faithfully participated in the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for the Diocese of Metuchen at the Diocesan Center’s Holy Hours.
Deacon Richard had a huge love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was an avid runner, having competed in two New York City Marathons. He enjoyed running races all over the country, liked to read history and was a dedicated 4th Degree Knight with the South Plainfield Knights of Columbus Council 6203.
Under the direction of the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, 809 Hamilton Boulevard, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
On Saturday, September 28, 2019, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated beginning 10:30 am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, followed by burial at Resurrection Burial Park in Piscataway. In lieu of flowers, donations sent to the South Plainfield Knights of Columbus or to Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish would be appreciated.