William J. Kennedy, Sr.

William J. Kennedy, Sr. (“Bill”) a resident of Las Vegas, formerly of Valley Stream, Long Island, New York, passed away on June 12, 2021, at the age of 70 years. Bill was greeted in heaven by his parents, Edward and Harriet (‘Chic’) Kennedy and his two brothers, Tommy and Bobby. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Kathleen “Cookie” Kennedy, his four children, Tricia, Bill, Jr., Ralph and Kyle, eight grandchildren, his brothers, Ed and Ray, and countless extended family and friends.

At the early age of 18, he met his true love, Cookie, at Pathmark, where they worked together. They fell in love, within 2 years were married and they started a family.

Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to Bill and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family. One of Bill’s biggest accomplishments was being a father. He had always wanted children, enough to have a baseball team and considered himself lucky enough to have four. His children called their dad a superhero, and even as adults, still see him that way. He was always there for them through their ups and downs, and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer.

Bill loved sports, was a coach to his sons’ little league and was a New York Mets and Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed countless occasions to watch sports with his family. Bill's contagious laugh and witty humor will definitely be missed by anyone who crossed paths with him. His many catch phrases and nicknames for people will remain imprinted in the hearts of so many. Bill loved holidays because it brought family together but none as much as Christmas. From his famous billed Santa hat to the loved by all Oak Ridge Boys Christmas album he was always had the xmas spirit and made everyone special

For over 50 years Bill was employed in the hospitality industry as a Chef. From the mid 1970's to late 1990's he worked at Dickinson’s Wharf the family restaurant in Las Vegas. Bill was a master chef in the kitchen. He loved to cook and his many meals were savored and revered by all. He inflicted his love for cooking to his children.

What we all learned from Bill was that life is short, often brutal, and the best way to combat all that is with a good laugh and the ability to appreciate the small moments of joy, despite the circumstances. He will be missed by all and his life’s example will remain with us forever. Rest In Paradise Bill, lord knows you deserve it.