Gerard William Kennedy

Gerard W. “Gerry” Kennedy, age 67 of Rowlett, Texas, passed away Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 at his residence after an extended battle with cancer. He was born in Caribou, Maine on September 28, 1957 a son of William G. Kennedy and Jean Butsch Kennedy.

Gerry graduated from East High School, Erie PA and earned a BS degree in Mathematics from Gannon University in 1980. He joined the United States Air Force in 1981 as an electronic technician. While in the Air Force, he distinguished himself while stationed at RAF Chicksands, Suffolk, England where he was awarded the Meritorious Service medal for his leadership and technical expertise overseeing installation of a new Computer System. He further distinguished himself while stationed at Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo Texas. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation medal for his efforts as a curriculum developer while in the Air Training Command. He was part of a team of developers that created a maintenance course for the new Computer system deployed at RAF Chicksands. Gerard was honorably discharged from the USAF in January 1990. Gerry was hired by E-Systems (now a part of Raytheon Technologies) as an Electronic Technician, where he maintained operational readiness of a computer system developed and deployed by E-Systems. Gerry quickly moved into the Raytheon Software Department due to his knowledge and aptitude for software systems. Gerry transferred to Garland, TX as a Software developer in 1997. During Gerry’s career at Raytheon, he worked on many software programs in support of U. S. Government agencies. He retired from Raytheon Technologies after 31 years of service.

Gerry married Cheryl Drzewiecki of Erie PA in 1984. They have 6 sons, Benjamin Gerard, Alexander Patrick. Sean Matthew, Luke Elliot, Paul Andrew and Daniel Joseph.

Gerry served his community through the Boy Scouts of America for 28 years in a variety of roles including Scout Master, Cub Master, and Treasurer. All of Gerry’s sons achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout under his guidance as a Scout Leader. Although his sons were no longer in the scouting program, Gerry continued to support Troop 746 of Circle Ten Council, Dallas TX as Troop Treasurer.

Gerry was also a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for more than 15 years. He functioned as a Faith Formation Catechist for 5th/6th grade students, as a team member of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults(OCIA), and as a member of the Men’s Group. He constantly volunteered his time, money, and advice in service to the church and its parishioners.

Gerry is proceeded in death by both of his parents and his dear brother Michael Kennedy.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Drzewiecki Kennedy, his sons, their wives, and seven loving grandchildren. He is also survived by his four sisters; Mary, Maureen, Elizabeth, and Patricia; and three brothers; Kevin, Paul Scott, and Daniel; and his goddaughter, Brandi.

A visitation for Gerard will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. A mass will occur Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Parish, 3030 Gus Thomasson Rd, Dallas, TX 75228. A reception will occur Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St Pius X Parish Hall, 3030 Gus Thomasson Rd, Dallas, TX. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 3900 Rowlett Rd, Rowlett, TX 75088.