Neil Francis Kennedy Sr.'s Obituary
November 19, 2023, Neil Francis Kennedy Sr, 81, of San Antonio, Fl passed away peacefully at home among close family.
Neil grew up in New Haven, CT before moving to Clinton, CT in 1968 to raise a family. Retirement and the promise of unlimited golf brought him to Sunset Beach, North Carolina in 2004 before finally joining his children on the west coast of Florida in 2012.
Neil, the fourth of 5 children, was born on October 5, 1942, to John and Vera Kennedy in New Haven, CT. From a young age, he worked in the family’s grocery store which was just below the home where he grew up. In 1960, he graduated from Notre Dame High School and went on to serve in the US Air Force from 1962 to 1967. He returned to school and, in 1978 earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing from The University of New Haven. While in school he was employed by Cheesebrough Ponds, Inc. (now Unilever Co.) where he spent his entire career. He enjoyed his work and rose to Director of Financial Operations. He also developed lifelong friendships with coworkers before retiring in 2001.
Neil enjoyed golf and travel and was an avid sports fan rooting for the Yankees, Giants and UConn teams.
Neil was preceded in death by father John V. Kennedy Sr., who died January 3, 1976, mother Vera L. (Gunn) Kennedy, who died October 14, 1980, brother John V. Kennedy, Jr. who died May 23, 1993 and sister Joan Cooley who died May 19, 2022. Their memories will forever be held dear by those who loved them.
He is survived by his sister Corrine Morrone and brother Paul Kennedy, daughters Colleen Kennedy (Joseph Tabone) and Eileen Kennedy, and son Neil Kennedy, Jr. (Mary). Neil Sr. will forever be remembered as a cherished grandfather to John, Benjamin, Lucia, Alexander, Andrew, Caleb and Nathaniel Kennedy. Neil is also survived by the mother of his children, Dale Kennedy (Peach) and beloved nieces and nephews.
Neil’s strong will and determination got him through adversity. He was generous and loyal with an enormous heart and unique sense of humor. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences.
He will be remembered for all the love he shared with his friends and family. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before him. He will be missed dearly.
We will honor the memory of our beloved father and grandfather Wednesday, November 28, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm Memorial Park 5750 49th St N. St. Petersburg, Fl. 33709. The funeral service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Tampa, FL. on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 10:00 am. Graveside service at Memorial Park immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association or American Stroke Association.
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