Dennis C. Kennedy

Dennis Carl Kennedy was the 'best' Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. He was born on August 30, 1942, to Carl and Lillian Kennedy of Sanger, California. Following a brief illness, he passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012. Dennis graduated from Sanger High School in 1960. In 1962 he joined the Air National Guard out of Fresno and following basic training served on reserve duty for six years. On June 13, 1963, he began a forty-two year career at The Fresno Bee. A valued and loyal salesman and manager in Classified Advertising, Dennis made numerous friendships and garnered much respect from car dealers throughout the valley. He retired on January 28, 2005. On April 11, 1964, Dennis was united in marriage to Connie Schengel of Sanger. They were to celebrate their upcoming 48th anniversary. They have two sons, Curtis and Chris. In their youth, Dennis served as coach of their soccer teams and was a leader in the YMCA Indian Guides. He experienced his boys grow into fine young men with families of their own. He was extremely proud of his three teen-aged grandchildren. Dennis and Connie have been present at nearly all of their karate practices, soccer games, swim meets, water polo matches and dance recitals. He also holds a special place in the lives of many of his grandchildren's friends and is considered their "Papa" too. As a young man, Dennis was a member of the Sanger DeMolay and later joined the Fresno Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He loved the ocean and the beach. From early childhood vacations to Santa Cruz to many relaxing days over the years spent at Cayucos, where he was often at his happiest. His ability to recall and tell a good joke was uncanny. He could always bring a smile to your face and command any room. A heart-felt thank-you from the Kennedy family to his doctors at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center; the staff of Saint Agnes Hospice; and Horizon Healthcare. He will be loved and missed, and forever in our hearts! Dennis is survived by his loving wife Connie; his sons, Curtis Kennedy and his wife Roben, and Chris Kennedy and his wife Cheryl; grandchildren, Alex, Christina and Tiffany Kennedy; sister, Bonnie Bland and her husband John; mother-in-law, Lenore Schengel; brother-in-law, John Schengel and his wife Connie; cousin, Jerry Murray and his wife Penny; nieces, Julie Seeber, and Brittany Schengel, and nephew, Jayson Schengel and his wife Amanda; one great-nephew; and two great-nieces. A Celebration of Dennis' Llife will be held at Clovis Hills Community Church at 10590 N. Willow Ave. on Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Saint Agnes Hospice, P.O. Box 27350, Fresno, Ca. 93729-9804.