Bernard John Kennelly

Bernard J. Kennelly (Bernie) (90), of Springfield, VA, passed away after a brief illness August 16, 2024, in Falls Church, VA, surrounded by his family. Bernie was born in Mingo Junction, OH, to John J. Kennelly and Sarah B. Connell Kennelly on June 3, 1934. He grew up in Carnegie, PA. He married Miriam Rivera in 1959, in Caguas, Puerto Rico. He was a proud graduate of Duquesne University. Following graduation from Duquesne, he served in the United States Navy for 32 years as an intelligence officer, retiring as a Captain. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and received the Navy Commendation Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and Meritorious Service Medal. His Naval career took the family to Puerto Rico, Florida, Colorado, Japan, California, Virginia, the Philippines, and back to Virginia. He proudly served on the USS Midway, CVA-41, when it was recommissioned in 1970. Upon retirement from the Navy, he worked as a subcontractor to the U.S. State Department for a number of years, working at the Embassies of Peru, Chile, Djibouti, USSR, Belgium and Germany. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Blanche Bednar and Audrey Wenzig, daughters Rhonda Louise and Vanessa Marie. Bernie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Miriam; children Mairim Bartholomew (Charles); John Kennelly; Paul Kennelly; grandchildren Christopher Bartholomew; Chelsea Bartholomew Mulcahy; Sara Kennelly; Hudson Reber-Kennelly; and a number of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who will all miss him dearly. Bernie was a man devoted to his Catholic faith, family and country. He was a 53-year member of St. Michael Church in Annandale, VA. He was a true gentleman, kind and gracious to all. He never saw race or color or orientation in any he met – always seeing the best in everyone. He never met a stranger – always striking up a conversation with those he encountered – the clerks at the pharmacy, the barbers, the auto mechanics – all were equal in his eyes. Those who served under him in his various Navy assignments kept up with him over the years. His friendships spanned the globe. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was always level headed and we can’t recall a time he ever raised his voice in anger. He loved his wife and children, but, boy, how he adored his grandchildren. He loved a good joke and a good cup of coffee. A visitation for Bernard will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Michael's Catholic Church, 7401 St Michaels Ln, Annandale, VA 22003. Burial with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. Arrangements are being handled by Demaine Funeral Home. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Wounded Warrior Project, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington, VA, or a charity of your choosing.