Kenny Tenorio

Kenny was born on May 22nd, 1986 in Anaheim, California, to Michael Tenorio and Mae Flauta. He was the youngest of 5 siblings, to Joellen, Jamie, Josh & Justin. He was raised by his uncle and aunt, Rogen and Rose Flauta, from a little boy, to adulthood. Being the baby of the bunch never held back his mighty personality. In fact, for those of us that knew that his birth name was Joaquin, also knew that he would not answer to it.

As a kid, Kenny started out going to school in Union City, but ended up in Hayward alongside what would turn out to be lifelong friends, travelling through Ochoa and Mt. Eden together. In middle school, if he wasn’t on rollerblades (as part of their self-proclaimed skate crew SPNS- which stood for Skatin’ Pinoys N Style), he had a basketball with him everywhere he went. I vividly remember him and my husband (whom most of you know as White Mike) venturing out until the sun went down. Whether it was Greenwood Park on Middle Lane, Milpitas to visit his Mike’s grandparents, sleepovers at Larry’s, or an all age’s night club, Kenny was everywhere, because he didn’t want to miss out on a single thing. He was always known for turning every time into a good time. While life growing up for Kenny was rough, he persevered, and pushed himself to earn his GED.

While he was a scrappy teenage boy throughout high school, he was also the little big brother that looked out for Justin, and always made sure that he was ok. He took this role as his brother’s keeper seriously, as it carried on into his adult life. Justin lived with him from when Kenny was 18, until last year 2020, when he moved in with their older brother Josh, his wife Rocio, and their 2 boys. Nevertheless, he relocated just across the street, so Kenny’s continuous presence in looking out for Justin did not go unnoticed.

Kenny was a hard worker, and filtered through many jobs as an adult, but his first one was Kohl’s in Fremont. He had a few different contract jobs, but made a name for himself as a driver for HD Supply, where he received awards for Champion on the road over the span of 5 years. One very important aspect in his life was the brotherhood that he built amongst so many of you in this room. So much in fact, that he had the opportunity to work with his very close friend Heb at Bayside Interiors, as well as his good friends Ian & Jason at Dow Chemical here in Hayward. Once he started in the construction industry, he loved it so much, that he knew driving was not meant for him.

In 2004, while Kenny was celebrating New Year’s Eve at his friend’s house, he met Rachel. As the night came to an end, Kenny needed a ride home, and mutual friend volunteered Rachel for the job. Of course she didn’t want to be rude and say no, not knowing that her life would change after that car ride together. For those of us that knew teenage Kenny, knew that nobody was as slick and confident with the ladies. After refusing to give him her phone number, Kenny managed to sneak his number into Rachel’s phone. She then sent him a text a few days later, and the rest is history.

From that point on, Kenny and Rachel were inseparable. There were many weekends out dancing with friends, but when they were together, nothing and no one else mattered. They were married at city hall in San Francisco on May 25, 2012. From then on, they would continue to raise their nephew Jeremiah together; as well have two more sons of their own, Kenneth, and Keith. He shared many moments with his boys, like teaching Jeremiah how to drive stick, attending Raider and Warrior games with Kenneth, and listening to Blippi with Keith on the ride home from school. These were just a few bonding moments shared between him and his boys, on top of countless basketball games in in front of their house.

Kenny loved his family unconditionally, but the one that he and Rachel created together, was his biggest accomplishment. He was known for his outgoing personality and his hospitality to anyone that ventured up 3 flights of stairs to their apartment, or through their garage door. All were welcomed in the Tenorio house, and you immediately became family. He brought an abundance of joy to the many kids that referred to him as “Uncle Kenny,” especially his nephews Jr. and Nathaniel who he loved abundantly, and equally to his own children.

Everyone knew that Kenny took pride in his appearance. He thoroughly enjoyed when people would tell him that he resembled J Boog. His smile and laugh were infectious, and at one point, we all remember him dancing inappropriately behind Rachel. Whether he was mowing the lawn, grocery shopping, giving his dog’s (Roxy & Mello) a bath, listening to podcasts in his garage, or sitting on the couch watching True Crime, his gold chain stayed visible around his neck. Every time he stepped out of his house, he was dressed to impress. He enjoyed learning new crafts, like working on his vehicles, household repairs, and even ventured in making and marketing his famous Smirky Jerky.

Kenny’s death was sudden, but his life was not faint. He lived life to the fullest and loved unconditionally and whole-heartedly. If he were here today, he’d have a funny story or joke to make everyone comfortable (or uncomfortable), and for a moment, he would want us all to forget our sadness.

While life continues on this earth for the rest of us, we will both mourn and celebrate him, yesterday, today, and days to come. And while we will miss his presence immensely, let’s remember how lucky we all are, for having the opportunity to know and love, Kenny Tenorio.

Written by: Jessica A.