Of Yarmouth Port, formerly of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning April 27, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 83.

Kenny, son of the late Reece and Florence (LaRosee) McGilvray, was born February 5, 1933 in Waltham, MA.

In his youth, he was part of the neighborhood group the "Bleachery Boys." For the majority of his childhood, he and his nine siblings were raised solely by their mother, a self-taught pianist, who played at various clubs and dance studios in the Waltham area.

At the age of 17, Kenny joined the United States Navy. He proudly served in the Korean War on board the USS Edisto Icebreaker in Greenland until he was honorably discharged in 1954.

In 1955, Kenny was appointed a permanent Waltham Police patrolman and diligently "walked the beat" for many years. He earned the ranks of sergeant, sergeant-detective, and lieutenant and also taught criminal law to incoming cadets at the Waltham Police Academy. He retired as a detective-lieutenant in July 1988. He was a proud member of the Waltham Police Association and Massachusetts Police Association.

Not one to rest on his laurels, during retirement Kenny immersed himself in numerous charitable and civic activities, including the Cape Cod St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Cape Cod Veterans Association, Amvets, Sons of Erin, Dennis VFW Post, and Korean War Veterans Association. He also created the annual charitable event the "Kenny McGilvray Trick or Treat Shoot-out."

During his time on the Cape, Kenny left an indelible mark while working as the "Director of Ambiance" at O'Shea's Olde Inne in West Dennis, acting in the movie "Noelle," and charming the masses with his gentlemanly manner, affectionate hugs, ribald humor, and incomparable renditions of "Carrickfergus" and "Danny Boy."

He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years Mary Ann (Mack) McGilvray; his devoted and loving children Karen McGilvray and Bill Heuston of Waltham, Michael McGilvray and his wife Kimberly of Waltham, Patrick McGilvray and his wife Monica of Mukwonago, WI, Kenneth McGilvray of Los Angeles, CA, and Nora (McGilvray) Bice and her husband Jason of Burbank, CA; his cherished grandchildren Alex Simone McGilvray, Ian Patrick McGilvray, and Matthew Michael McGilvray; his dear siblings Raymond McGilvray and his wife Rita of NH, Ronald McGilvray and his wife Mary of South Attleboro, and Robert McGilvray of Marlborough; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

He was also the brother of the late Reece McGilvray, Sylva (McGilvray) Langevin, Janet McGilvray RCE, Florence (McGilvray) Lash, Martha (McGilvray) Tambascio, and Thomas McGilvray. Kenny was also married to the late Mary Lou (O'Neil) McGilvray.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody St, Waltham, MA on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 3-7pm. Interment with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave, Bourne, MA on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 2pm, and a celebration of his long and happy life at the Cape Cod Irish Village, 822 Main St, South Yarmouth, MA on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cape Cod Veterans, Inc., P.O. Box 81, Dennisport, MA 02639 or online at capecodveterans.org.

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