Sean Kiniry Obituary

Sean Edward Kiniry, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, at his home in Summerville, held by the hand of his wife of 35 years, Kathleen Walsh Kiniry. He was 74. Born on August 13, 1951, in New Britain, Connecticut, Sean was the son of the late Dr. John E. Kiniry and Patricia Walsh Kiniry. He was the 2nd born of 9 siblings, growing up on Liberty Street in a joyous household filled with laughter and constant entertainment. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas and went on to earn his degree from the University of Connecticut, where he continued to be an active alumnus, cheering the Huskies on year after year. Sean lived his life with kindness, intention, and by creating moments that could be shared with all who walked through his door. Together with Kathy, they built a life full of home-cooked meals, entertaining friends and family, and unforgettable memories alongside their 2 children. He was the proud father of Teddy and Shannon, who could always count on their dad to show up. Whether it was a game 5 minutes from the house or a 6-minute performance in Dayton, Ohio, you could always count on him to be there in the crowd or alongside the buses, making sure that every person was fed a home-cooked meal. Being a part of his kids' lives was important to him, and because of this, he was always the first to be on the field coaching his kids and all of their friends-teaching more than just offense and defense, but how to be a team player and form and keep lifelong friendships. Sean's friendships were something he held close, and entertaining was a way that he showed his love. From Halloween parties in Salem with a theme and costumes to holiday parties with his own custom cocktails and a perfectly constructed antipasto that tasted just as good as it looked-that was a constant with Sean's cooking-presentation was just as (if not more) important than the taste. Adventure and travel were an important part of his life, traveling across the U.S. to visit all 50 states, including fly-fishing in Alaska, Montana, and Maine, hiking Angel's Landing in Zion, and repeat visits to some of his favorite spots in Cape Hatteras, Nantucket, and Big Sur. Italy also held a special place, where he ventured vineyards, small towns, and had beautiful meals alongside his wife and friends. Sean's life was built on a strong foundation of family-from his 8 other brothers and sisters to over 50 nieces and nephews, he ensured every Christmas there was something wrapped and waiting for them, whether he or they were in the room or not. It was important to him, and you could always count on the wrapping to be perfectly placed. He was a light and has touched so many lives. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. George Keough and Charleston Oncology, Dr. Susan Slovin of Memorial Sloan Kettering, and the team at Roper Hospice who stood beside them with love and support. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; his children, Teddy Kiniry (Ann) and Shannon Kiniry Paria (Sayan); his grandson, Brooks; his siblings, Susan Kiniry Holt and Doug Holt, Teddy Kiniry, Betsy Kiniry Cooney and Kevin Cooney, Tony and Gabriella Kiniry, Mark Kiniry, Richard Kiniry, and Paul and Tina Kiniry; as well as Tish Walsh, Michael Walsh, and Treacy and Michael Stewart; alongside his 50+ beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Kiniry. At this time services information will be forthcoming