John Christopher Kennette

PHILLIPSBURG and HILLSBOROUGH-

On the morning of Saturday, June 29th, John Christopher Kennette (aka Chris/ Vire/ Dad/ Grandpa/ Papa) left his body on earth and began his newest chapters in the heavenly plane. Earlier this year he had lost his wife Kathy to Bulbar ALS, and so his broken heart along with a high blood pressure condition claimed him from the comfort of his own bed. His last night was filled with family and friends as he watched his son’s band, Tony & The Trees perform at the Pattenburg House.

Born in Plainfield, NJ in 1957 on the 12th of Sept, as the 3rd of 4 children of Phylis Brundige and Jack Kennette. The siblings Tom, Dave, Chris & Carol grew up in the Green Hills section of Hillsborough, NJ and summered in Ocean Grove. After graduating Hillsborough High School in 1975, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Army and worked as a SP4 Transportation Specialist in Berlin, Germany. It was there that he and his 1st wife, Janet Cantore, had their son John Anthony “Tony”.

Chris was a passionate winter sports enthusiast, traveling Europe and the U.S. with his ski’s and goggles on the ready. After the military, he embraced his passion for winter sports and spent many years working in the industry. He was one of the earliest to embrace snowboarding, and arguably was one of the forefathers that helped it to take root in our region. He believed Family, Snowboarding, Music and being a KIND person were the most important things…

Later in life he remarried to Kathy Phillips and became the “step”-father of Ryan, Patrick and Samantha Anderson. Through their union, his role became that of an anchor of strength, stability and unconditional love. Ryan enlisted as a mechanic in the U.S. Marines and has worked all over the world. Patrick too enlisted in the Marines as an infantry man, and is now one of the highest ranked elevator technician/foreman in the country. Samantha has carved out quite a nitch as a professional photographer.

Chris became a grandfather in 2002 when Tony and his first wife Christine had Kaya David, and again in 2005 with the birth of John Tyler. Followed by Vienna, Logan, Nora and Trace. When he wasn’t playing with grandkids, or at work, you could often find him lending a hand at his son Tony, and daughter in-law Andrea’s, certified organic veggie operation, MARTENETTE FARMS.

Chris will be cremated and both his and Kathy’s cremains will be buried at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in September. A community memorial will take place in honor of his already scheduled birthday bash 6-9pm Saturday, September 14th at Flounder Brewing in Hillsborough, NJ during a Tony & The Trees show. In lieu of flowers, do a good deed, and always remember to be KIND….