John J. Kennedy
John J. Kennedy, 85, of Orange, beloved husband of 61 years to Ruth Ruggiero Kennedy, passed away on December 1, 2009. He was born in Waterbury on May 30, 1924 to the late Peter and Helen McMahon Kennedy. Besides his wife, John leaves his children and their spouses, RuthAnn and Paul Sachs of Newbury, VT, Mary Jo and Bruce Jolma of Clatskanie, OR, John Jr. and Sandra Kennedy of Cheshire, Robert and Ann Kennedy of Kennebunk, ME, Peter and Denise Kennedy of Durham, and Katherine Kennedy of Wallingford; fifteen grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister, Helen Kennedy of Hamden; brother, William Kennedy and his wife Patricia of San Diego, CA. He was predeceased by a brother, Peter Kennedy. John was a graduate of Hillhouse High School class of '42 and Yale University class of '45W. He proudly served his country as an Officer in the U.S. Navy having been in the South Pacific, Japan, and China. He was employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of CT for 30 years. While in their employment, he was Secretary of the Board of Directors and Senior VP of marketing. Then for the next 25 years, until his retirement in 2006, he was the Secretary and Senior VP of the Eighteen Seventy Corporation in New York. Over the years John has served on many boards and been a member of many clubs; Past President, Life Member, and secretary for many years of the Quinnipiack Club, Morys Association, Past President of the New Haven Kiwanis Club, Racebrook Country Club, and Chairman of the Board at Saint Regis Health Center. Funeral from BEECHER & BENNETT- TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, 410 Campbell Ave., West Haven on Saturday, December 5th at 9:15 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am, in Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Mt. St. Peter's Cemetery in Derby. Friends may visit with his family on Friday evening at the funeral home from 4 to 7:00 p.m. Contributions in John's memory may be made to the charity of ones choice.
Although I never knew your father…I wish you warmest thoughts and wonderful memories.
Dear Ruth and family, my sincere condolences for your loss. In thinking back, I realized I have known you all since I was a toddler, living up the street from us in Orange and then of course, becoming an extended family when John and Sandy married. I am very thankful that I was able to spend time with Jack and many of you on Thanksgiving. My thoughts are with you.
Dear Ruth and family, The only thought that helps me through this sadness, is knowing that my mom, dad and Jack are all together in heaven. I hope they will behave and bless us all! Jack was a respected and kind man, and we will miss him. With much sympathy, JoAnn Dey
Dear Ruth and the entire Kennedy Family, It is with great sorrow that we express our sympathy in the loss of a great man. I remember growing up down the street from Jack Kennedy. He was always kind and gracious to me, and quick with a joke. I remember him being larger than life, a dedicated family man who was loved by his family. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Don, Bonnie, Peter and Neal Romberg
Dear Ruth, Bing and I send our deepest sympathy to you and all your family on the loss of Jack. Jack was a person that everyone seemed to know and like. Marie and Joe used to tell us some wonderful stories about their special times with you and Jack.Those are the happy memories that you will cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your beautiful family. Sincerely, Joyce
Dear Ruth, We are so sorry. Our hearts ache for you. Due to Walt’s falling today, we will not be able to travel. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Gloria
Deepest sympathies to the family of Jack Kennedy. About 50 years ago I joined the Quinnipiack Club in New Haven. To this day, Jack Kennedy has personified one of the most memorable of its members. In his role at Blue Cross, Jack was an early employer of my sister Brenda. He will be much missed by many, and surely by all OFHBs.
I knew Jack Kennedy for 43 years, first as the father of one of my best friends, then as a mentor/colleague at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut and finally as a friend. He was a remarkable man who was passionate about his work, committed in his opinions and absolutely devoted to his family. As a kid, the Kennedy home was often the gathering place for our cirlce of friends. Whether it was basketball, football or wiffle ball, we commandeered his driveway and yard to hold our contests. While our games often ended in mayhem, I think Jack enjoyed the energy we brought . As a young man starting my career in healthcare, Jack was someone who I turned to for advice and perspective. He always offered a helping hand and gladly shared his vast experience. Over the years, as I have remained close to Jack’s son John and his family, I’ve had the chance to participate in family get togethers. Watching Jack, I could tell that he and Ruth had the best time being with family and enjoying their grandchildren and great grandson. I have great memories of Jack and will miss him. My deepest sympathies go to the entire family for their enormous loss. My thoughts are with you.
I recall Jack calling me over at my mother’s funeral in March saying that he has lost his best friend, next to Ruth. There were so many stories told by both my parents of cherished memories shared with Ruth and Jack. Along with the memories are the beautiful photographs of those memorable days. Ruth and Jack; Marie and Joe….gorgeous and handsome couples. What great times they had! As a young kid, I remember visiting Ruth, Jack and the kids when they lived in Spring Glen. Jack continued to promote learning during the summer with his book report assignments. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ruth, and the entire family during this painful time. Sincerely, Nancy Dey
May God bless and watch over you during this time. You are in our prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. God Bless
To John, Christine and your entire family, we are truly sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you all. Richard and Gail Murano
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Kennedy. I have fond memories of him going back to when I was a kid hanging out with Peter, Robert, and Kathy in the Kennedy backyard. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
It was over 45 years ago when the Kennedy Family moved off Manor St in Hamden to Wildwood Drive. There was never a better family in the neighborhood since then. All of the wonderful Kennedy’s are in our prayers during this difficult time.