Thomas J Kennedy Jr.

Colonel Thomas Joseph Kennedy Jr., USA, retired, age 82, of Fairfax, Virginia, died peacefully on February 22, 2019, surrounded by family. Born December 8, 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska, he was the son of Colonel (USAF, retired) Thomas J. and Edna Ann (Fennell) Kennedy. He attended the University of Kansas where he received a Bachelor of Arts in political science and later obtained a Master of Arts in Slavic & Soviet area studies. While there, he was a member of the Reserved Officer Training Corp (ROTC), receiving his commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation. During a distinguished military career that spanned 27 years, Colonel Kennedy received numerous awards and commendations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and two Bronze Star Medals. He completed two tours in Vietnam and served in the U.S. and abroad as a human intelligence and a foreign area officer. He attended both the Army War College and the National War College. Following his military career, Colonel Kennedy worked in the not-for-profit sector, serving as executive director of the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials for 20 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia, and sons Thomas (Kathy) of Centreville; Kevin (Beth) of Cary, North Carolina; daughter Jennifer Hammond of Suwanee, Georgia; and grandchildren Kaelin, Kelly, Devin, Brooke, Delaney, and Emily. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Michael Hammond.