Michael Joseph Kennelly

Michael Joseph Kennelly, a beloved son, brother, father, friend, and respected leader, cast off the earthly lines and sailed into the heavens on September 25, 2026, in Houston, Texas, following a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was 55 years old.

Michael was born on January 13, 1971, in Scunthorpe, England. The family moved to Houston, Texas in 1975. Though his life began across the pond, Texas was his home and he embraced it with his whole heart, finding joy in its wide-open spaces, beautiful horizons, its outdoor traditions, and above all its people. Texas became woven deeply into who he was.

Michael was a graduate of Cypress Creek High School and attended Texas A&M Galveston securing a degree in Maritime Transportation. Michael was a proud supporter of Texas A&M, and he carried that affection with him throughout his life.

Michael had a generous heart and believed in the importance of helping others and making a meaningful difference. Throughout his life, he was proud to support a number of causes that were dear to him and that improved the lives of others, including “Smile Train”, MD Anderson, Wounded Warriors and Camp Blessing.

Professionally, Michael was devoted to the industry he was a part of, and he flourished within it. After graduation he joined Kirby Inland Marine, which was the springboard to a successful career in the maritime world. In the years that followed, Michael held senior management positions at Florida Marine, Settoon, Savage, Kirby, before ultimately serving as Senior Vice President of Liquid Cargoes for American Commercial Barge Lines. Michael was a natural leader, a generous mentor, and a trusted friend to his colleagues. His character earned him not only the loyalty of those he worked alongside, but also the respect of his competitors, a rare and telling measure of the kind of man he was. Michael possessed a gift for connecting with others; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them feeling seen and valued. Quite simply, Michael was loved by all who knew him.

When he was not working, Michael could be found pursuing the pastimes that brought him such contentment. He loved hunting in South Texas and fishing in the Texas bays. Perhaps most of all, he cherished the simple pleasure of sitting around a campfire with a cold beverage in hand, sharing stories and laughter with good friends. Those gatherings, filled with warmth and easy conversation, captured the spirit of a man who found the greatest richness in companionship.

Above all else, Michael was proud of his children, whom he loved and adored without reserve. He was a loving family man whose devotion to his children defined him. He treasured the time they spent together, whether taking them to football games, traveling together, or simply enjoying the everyday moments. Those moments, big and small, brought Michael some of his greatest happiness and became some of his most cherished memories. For Michael, being present in their lives, sharing in their laughter, and watching them grow meant everything to him. There was no greater joy than being their father and sharing life alongside them.

Michael’s voice was unmistakable, as was the laugh that so often followed it. Even now, those who loved him can still hear both and picture the smile that never seemed to fade from his face. Michael brought warmth and light to the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him, and the joy of his presence and the warmth he shared will remain long after his passing.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Christopher Michael Kennelly. He is survived by his two sons, Andrew Michael Kennelly and Christian Sumner Kennelly and daughter Olivia Grace Kennelly. He leaves behind his mother, Clare Sumner Kennelly, sister Ann Comrie-Smith with children Philip Thomas and Alison Sophia, and brother John Christopher Kennelly and his wife Corrie. Their children, Samantha Clare Kennelly, Mary Evelyn Ramirez husband William and children Evelyn, JJ, and Liam. They will carry forward his memory and his boundless love.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at MD Anderson for their unwavering support of Michael through this battle. Your kindness brought Michael so much comfort and it gave our family great peace of mind knowing he was in such loving hands.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Blake Schifferstein and his family for the love, support, and kindness they showed Michael and our family throughout this difficult time. Your constant encouragement, generosity, and willingness to be there whenever needed meant more to us than words can express.

Lastly, we would like to thank Rodney Hance and his family. Words cannot describe the support and dedication that Rodney showed Michael throughout his illness. I will be forever grateful to Rodney for the unselfish care and love he showed Michael. The endless days that Rodney sat by Michael’s side during chemotherapy, doctor visits and endless other medical procedures. Rodney, you epitomize the meaning of “Best Friend”, and our family will never forget all that you did for Michael.

A man of the Catholic faith, Michael will be commended to God’s care during a funeral Mass held at St. Faustina Catholic Church on October 7th at 11:00 a.m., with Father John Clark officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew, Christian, and John Kennelly, Philip Comrie-Smith, Blake Schifferstein, Rodney Hance, Mike Ellis, Jerry Durbin, and Gary Osorno.

Visitation will be held at Klein Funeral Home in Tomball on the evening of October 6th from 5 pm to 8pm.

Burial will follow the Catholic Mass at Klein Cemetery on State Highway 249. All are welcome to attend and to celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man.

Michael leaves behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and love that will endure in the hearts of all who know him. He was a friend to all, and his warmth touched countless lives. Please keep his memory in your hearts, and may his family find comfort in the abundant love he gave and the faith that assures us he rests now in peace.

St Faustina Catholic Church 28102 FM 1093, Fulshear Tx 77441

Klein Funeral Home Tomball 1400 W Main St, Tomball Tx 77375

Klein Memorial Park Cemetery 32509 Tx-249, Pinehurst Tx 77362