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FUNERAL HOME

James A. Dyal Funeral Home

303 S. Main Street

Summerville, South Carolina

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Oct. 29, 2025

2:00 p.m.

First Church of Christ

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Sean Kiniry Obituary

Sean Edward Kiniry SUMMERVILLE - 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. 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 forgettable 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. There will be two services honoring Sean Kiniry. Please find those details below: Connecticut Service - Wednesday, October 29th, First Church of Christ, 830 Corbin Ave., New Britain, CT 06052. The Family will welcome guests starting at 1:00 p.m. and the service will begin at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at: Shuttle Meadow Country Club, 51 Randecker Lane, Berlin, CT 06037. Summerville Celebration of Life - Thursday, November 6th, The Home of Rusty & Beth Kitch, 413 Sumter Ave., Summerville, SC 29483. The family will welcome guests starting at 2:00 p.m. and the service will begin at 3:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations made to: Zero Prostate Cancer - https://zerocancer.org/ South Carolina Waterfowl Association -https://scwa.org/products/donation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 16 to Oct. 17, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Sean Kiniry

Oct

29

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

First Church of Christ

830 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052

Nov

6

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m.

The Home of Beth and Rusty Kitch

413 Sumter Ave, Summerville, SC 29483

Funeral services provided by:

James A. Dyal Funeral Home

303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483

Memories and Condolences
for Sean Kiniry

Sponsored by James A. Dyal Funeral Home.

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4 Entries

Arnaldo & Diane Marinelli

October 16, 2025

My Condolences and Prayers to Sean and Family - Diane and I are in Europe will not be able to attend the celebration of Sean's life, yet our prayers will be there for my friend Sean - Arnaldo & Diane Marinelli

David J Price

October 10, 2025

I had the privilege to employ, work. and know Sean during my tenure at Exxon Chemical's Fabrics Division from 1985 - 1988. Sean was a key member of the "Four Horsemen" who grew Exxon's geosynthetic business from just four product distributors to nearly 40 in just three years. Sean was smart, dependable, a team member, fun and a great human being. Sean and his team members helped launch my career to greater heights for which I will always be thankful. Everyone loved you Sean, including me. May you rest in the arms of Jesus, his Angels and Saints. May you wife and family find comfort and inspiration from how your loved and lived your life.

Deborah Isenhour

October 10, 2025

I am heartbroken over your loss. I am holding each of you in my heart and know that over time your grief will be replaced with pure love

Linda Grunwald Judson

October 9, 2025

Prayers to the family. So sorry.
I went to school with Patricia, Sean's sister.

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