Peter G. Kennis, Jr.

Peter KennisPeter G. Kennis, Jr., age 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2017, at his home surrounded by his children.

Born June 11, 1919 in Big Soldier, PA, he was the son of the late Peter and Mary Gilga Kennis. He was married to Sophia Sackash Kennis on November 28, 1946. She preceded him in death on January 29, 1995.

Peter was a 1938 graduate of Sykesville High School and attended agricultural classes at the Pennsylvania State University.

He served in the U.S. Army 3196 Signal Corps during World War II.

Along with his brothers and father, they were the owners and operators of Kennis Dairy.

He was also a partner of Longs Dairies, Inc. and was General Manager of the Longs Dairy, DuBois, Milk Processing and Dairy Store.

In addition, he owned and operated the Kennis Hilltop Dairy Farm where he lived for 67 years.

Peter was a longtime member of Jefferson County Farm Bureau Association. He served for many years on the board of directors of the Washington Mutual Insurance Company. He was a past member of the Sykesville Lions Club where he served as president in 1960 when the town hall was built.

He was also a lifelong member of the Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church in Sykesville.

He helped his son build Kenterra Golf Course where he enjoyed golfing and maintaining the grounds until he was 96 years of age. He also enjoyed hunting and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports.

Peter is survived by his three children, Michael (Linda) Kennis, Gregory (Teresa) Kennis and Mary Ann Strasavich (John Finley); 10 grandchildren, Cathy (Luke) Crawford, Susan (Mark) Ingram, Michael (Marcy) Kennis, Lisa (Bruce) Miller, Rebecca (Troy) Pennington, Gregory (Rachel) Kennis, Heidi (J) Sawtelle, Holli (Brad) Lashinsky, Julia Kennis (Terry Stahlman) and Amanda Walters; and 23 great grandchildren with one on the way.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his four brothers, Michael, John, Charles and Paul and two sisters, Mary Zimmerman and Margaret Kennis, an infant son, Peter, and son-in-law, Fred Strasavich. He was the last member of his immediate family.

Friends and family will be received at the Leo Nedza Funeral Home in Sykesville on Tuesday, February 14 from 2-7pm. Parastas will follow at 7pm.

A Panachida Service will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 am on Wednesday, February 15 and Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 11am at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church with Father Vasyl Banyk officiating and Father Robert Karl co-officiating.

Final honors will be accorded at the Holy Trinity Byzantine Cemetery by the DuBois Area Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, 104 Shaffer St, Sykesville, PA 15865 or to an organization of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com


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