Kenneth Meaney

Beloved Husband, Father, and Veteran

Kenneth Meaney, 80, of Watchung, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Born in Newark, Kenneth was raised in North Plainfield before settling in Watchung in 1973, where he made his home for more than 50 years. He graduated from North Plainfield High School and went on to earn an associate’s degree from Raritan Valley Community College.

Kenneth proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was part of the Infantry and was also associated with the Airborne Division. While serving in Vietnam, he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, signifying he was honored twice for combat injuries. He also received the Vietnam Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his courage and sacrifice.

Following his military service, Kenneth enjoyed a long and successful career with JWS Technologies in Piscataway, New Jersey, where he worked in professional sales and business development until his retirement.

Faith was central to Kenneth’s life. As a child, he was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in North Plainfield, where he received all of his sacraments. After moving to Watchung, he became a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church, where he also served humbly as an usher for many years.

Kenneth was committed to honoring and supporting fellow veterans. He was a proud member and Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 27, in Somerville, New Jersey, and a member of the American Legion Post 261 in North Plainfield.

A man of many talents and interests, Kenneth was known for his skill in home improvement projects and his ability to build and repair just about anything. He was a history enthusiast who enjoyed watching the History Channel, and he had a deep love for music, especially the sounds of the 1950s and 1960s. Kenneth cherished his family’s trips to Disney’s Epcot Center, as well as time spent at the Jersey Shore in Lavallette and Spring Lake. He had a special appreciation for his wife’s wonderful cooking, never missing an opportunity to let her know how much he enjoyed it. Over the years, Kenneth also cared for many beloved pets, most recently his cat, Jacky Jr.

Above all, Kenneth treasured time with his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Josephine Meaney; his loving daughter, Lisa Meaney; his brother, Jerry Meaney, and his wife Carol; along with his cherished family on both sides, who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church, 225 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ 07069, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass celebrating Kenneth’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kenneth’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.