Donald Arthur Kennedy

He grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, and graduated from Lynn Public Classical High School on June 12, 1953. A year later he joined the Navy on June 10, 1954 and served aboard the U.S.S. Worcester from 1954-1958. He married Nadine Downes on January 4, 1957. Their first child was born in Long Beach, California in 1958. They later moved to Campbell, California where two sons were born to complete their family.

Don was a hard worker who believed in the value of education. He earned several certifications in mechanical engineering through correspondence classes and city college. After leaving the Navy, he accepted a position at an insurance company as a boiler inspector. He continued to work his way up and became a safety engineer and a well-known nuclear specialist. He retired from Factory Mutual.

Don enjoyed playing the guitar and accordion. Many a night music and laughter could be heard from the Kennedy house where friends and neighbors would enjoy polka nights! Don also enjoyed working on his cars. The neighborhood children enjoyed hearing him rumble down the street in his black ’51 Oldsmobile with a pack of cigarettes rolled up in the sleeve of his white t-shirt waving as he drove by! He also took pride in his ’72 Chevy Chevelle. Don was a member of the San Jose Chapters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry from 1976-1983 and joined the Elks Club in 1983.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Shirley Richardson (sister), Nadine (Downes) Kennedy (wife), and Barbara (Reedy) Kennedy (wife). He is survived by Catherine C Wilson (daughter), Russell A Kennedy (son), Daniel G. Kennedy (son), six grandchildren, and one great grandson.

He was an honorable man; a patriot and he lived his life with honesty and discipline. He would give you the shirt off his back and help anyone.

Now He’s Free!