“In 1981, Ed joined forces with Bishop Frank J. Rodimer to establish Tri-County Scholarship Fund. They envisioned an organization that would provide K–12 scholarships to financially disadvantaged children so they could attend accredited private and parochial schools…
Though his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, Ed often said that Tri-County was the achievement he treasured most. ‘Tri-County Scholarship Fund is the accomplishment that I am most proud of in my life because it gives at-risk families a leg up in the quest to realize their American Dream.’ ”
On Wednesday, May 20, I had the privilege of celebrating the Funeral Mass of Edward L. Hennessy, Jr. at the parish of Christ the King, New Vernon (Harding Township), where Ed and his family had been parishioners for many years. In his beautiful and inspiring homily, Father Brian Sullivan, pastor of Christ the King, and a close friend of Ed’s for many years, said:
“Edward L. Hennessy Jr. counted Jesus as one of his closest friends. Ed’s passion was business, his priority was his family, but his purpose was being a disciple of Jesus Christ. A daily missal always close at hand, Ed didn’t see the Sunday mass as obligatory, he saw it as the event that gave meaning and purpose to his life.”
I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Ed Hennessy on a few occasions, in my first two years as bishop of the diocese. I had the privilege of praying with him and bringing him Holy Communion on one occasion, and, even in that brief meeting, I could tell that Ed was a person of deep faith. I have also had the privilege of getting to know Ed’s daughter, Beth, who cared so lovingly devotedly for her father, especially in the last few years, in Florida, as Ed was slowed by age and illness. Beth continues to build on her father’s legacy as a trustee and board member of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund.
As I remember Ed and give thanks for his exemplary life of faith and dedication, I am particularly grateful for his friendship with Bishop Frank Rodimer, which led to their founding of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund in 1981. I encourage all readers, especially those who may not be familiar with “Tri-County,” to go to the website to see the beautiful tribute to Ed, but also to learn of the impact that Tri-County has on the lives of children and their families.
When you go to the “Impact” section of the website and see the page, “TRI–COUNTY by the numbers,” you will see that:
- Students who receive Tri-County Scholarships, once again, had a 100 percent Graduation Rate in 2024
- 970 students received scholarships in 2025-2026
- $44 million in total scholarships has been awarded since 1981
- 39,000 scholarships have been awarded since 1981
- ***AND 1,500 “equally deserving children are on this year’s waiting list”
Each year, Tri-County hosts an awards dinner and a number of other fundraising and community-building events at which those in attendance often hear from a “student speaker” about the impact that a Tri-County Scholarship and additional support have had on them and their family. It is in these moments, hearing these stories and testimonies, that one begins to truly appreciate the good that is being done, the hope and opportunities that are being offered and received, and the relationships that are being built to, not only (as Ed Hennessy described it) give a “leg up in the quest to realize their American Dream,” but, in so many cases, also passing on the faith, hope, and love being lived out by so many, like Ed, who lead, support, and donate to Tri-County.
I am also so grateful to Ed Hennessy and all at Tri-County for their generosity, work, and support, which is such a wonderful blessing for the Catholic Schools of our diocese. During the six years that I have served as bishop, a large majority of the student speakers at Tri-County events have been students from the elementary and high schools serving our diocese. The financial assistance and other support, such as mentoring, coaching, and letters of recommendation for college applications, offered to our students, their parents, and our school leaders, is of a value that goes far beyond calculation or numbers.
I don’t recall the exact details of where and when I first met Ed Hennessy, but I know it was during my first few months (or weeks) as bishop of the diocese. I do remember one of the earliest meetings I had in the conference room of our Diocesan Center; it was with some members of the staff and board of the Tri-County Scholarship Fund. That meeting was my introduction to Prudence Piggott, who has served as the president of Tri-County since October of 2017. Those of us who serve as trustees and all who get to know Prudence and her leadership of Tri-County are so grateful for the ways in which her dedication, commitment to and belief in the mission of Tri-County (see: About Tri-County) have allowed the dream and vision of Ed Hennessy and Bishop Rodimer to continue to thrive and provide such blessings and support to children, their families, and our Catholic schools.
In his homily at the funeral Mass, Father Sullivan said: “Arguably, Ed’s greatest charitable achievement was the Tri-County Scholarship Fund. Founded by Ed and Bishop Rodimer in 1981, this fund has granted almost 40,000 scholarships to economically disadvantaged N.J. children, in excess of 44 million dollars. Ed’s passion was business, his priority was his family, his purpose was being a disciple of Jesus Christ, but his pleasure was his charitable work, most especially the Tri-County Scholarship Fund.”
We pray for the repose of the soul of Edward L. Hennessy, Jr. and for the consolation of his children, grandchildren, and family. We thank God for the life and legacy of this good, generous, and charitable man of faith.
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