OBITUARY

David C. Kennedy

July 1, 1948 – February 4, 2021
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David C. Kennedy

MARBLEHEAD – David Charles Kennedy, 72, of Marblehead, passed away on February 4, 2021. He was the devoted husband of 18 years of Karen L. (Houston) Kennedy of Marblehead. Raised in Leominster, at home in Marblehead, he was the beloved son of the late George and Alma (Davis) Kennedy. He was a 1966 graduate of Leominster High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute in 1970, where he was a member of ROTC. He entered the US Air Force and served in Thule, Greenland and Colorado Springs at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Base as a 1st Lieutenant in Air and Space Defense during the Vietnam War. In 2002, Dave retired from National Grid USA (formerly New England Electric System) as Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Officer after a proud career of over 30 years with the company. Dave rose through the ranks from spending summers reading meters as a college student, to Merrimack Valley District Manager in Andover, to Vice President. At the time he was promoted, he was the youngest vice president in the company’s history. He helped direct National Grid through three mergers and acquisitions. In addition, he graduated from Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development, an international program for top executives. Throughout his career, he was involved in many community programs, including leading United Way campaigns. Dave was an avid sailor who spent his summers on the water sailing his beautiful 38-foot Sabre, Foggy Dew. He captained the US sailing team at the Isle of Wight for National Grid’s David Jefferies Sailing Challenge in England. His children have many fond memories of overnight sails to Nantucket and Misery Island. When the weather turned cold, he would trade waves for slopes and spent his winters skiing at his second home in Frisco, CO where he also had many friends.

Dave was the loving father of Eileen Kennedy of County Mayo, Ireland, Daniel Kennedy of Salem, Michael Kennedy of Somerville, and Matthew Kennedy of Indianapolis, IN; the stepfather of Lauren (Berardino) Swenson and her husband, Kyle of Billerica who are expecting their first son; the dear brother-in-law of Kathleen (Houston) Blackwell and her husband, James and uncle to their son Adam Blackwell of Needham; and the cherished cousin of Phyllis Chiampa, Paula Fowlie and Janet Mays. He is also survived by many relatives and dear friends around the country. He was followed soon after his passing by his faithful cat Coco and we take comfort in knowing that they are together. Due to pandemic restrictions, current funeral services and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project or Special Olympics, via the websites listed below.

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David C. Kennedy

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BOB Houston

February 20, 2021

Karen & Family

It is with disbelief and sadness we hear of Dave's passing.
Find comfort and strength remembering all the wonderful
times you shared together,those precious memories will
live in all of our hearts forever.

Love and Sympathy,
Bob and Luanne

Donna Ferreira

February 15, 2021

Condolences to the Kennedy family. Dave was my manager for some years at New England Electric as he oversaw the Medical Department for the company. He was smart, fair, level headed and a delight to work for. He was always straight forward and honest which was valued especially when he had to deliver tough news about mergers and organizational changes. He will be remembered fondly. Find comfort in the many memories.
Donna Ferreira

Gary Lee

February 15, 2021

Dear Karen,

My sincerest condolences on your loss. May you hold the many wonderful memories close to your heart. Thinking of you during this difficult time.

With deepest sympathy,

Gary Lee

Tom Roberts

February 11, 2021

I had the honor of serving with Dave while in the Air Force at Thule Greenland. I also met my wife of 47 years at Thule. So she knew Dave too. Thule is so far north it is only about 700 miles south of the North Pole. We experienced four and a half months of daylight followed by four and a half months of night. In between we had almost normal days. But we had fun there. Maybe it was because of the place. Dave was a friend to us all. When not at work there where only about two things to do, sleep or party which Dave could do with the best of them. He was highly respected professionally and just a great guy.
I had not seen or spoken with Dave in many years. About ten years ago I started looking online for people I knew in the Air Force. The only one I found was Dave. I sent an email and we stayed in contact all that time. We emailed about once a month and exchanged Christmas cards every year. I called him once several years ago, the only time I spoke to him since Thule. He was the same old Dave. Oddly, even though we had not seen each other all that time and spoke just once I felt very close to Dave. I miss him terribly. Go in peace my friend.

Betty Moore-Bjurling

February 11, 2021

Dear Family of David Kennedy. I am so sorry to hear about David's passing. I went to school with David & graduated with the class of 1966. We lived a few streets apart. I lived on Merriam Parkway & David lived on Grand View Ave. My birthday is July 3 and we used to say happy birthday on facebook since his was July 1st. My husband passed 4 years ago so I feel your loss on many levels. There are no words for losing someone we love. The black hole in our hearts mends a bit but the memories are the best to get us through. From all your pictures you all have wonderful memories to lien on. David was a wonderful classmate. Our paths went in different directions but I was glad to have had the opportunity to know David. I will keep you in my prayers. I believe we will all meet again when we cross over. Being half Irish I'm sure we will have a wonderful party when we all get together. May God Bless & Keep your family. with warmest regards, Betty Moore-Bjurling.

George Sasdi

February 10, 2021

Dear Karen and Family:

It is with great sadness that I learned the death of Dave. Please accept my sincere condolences, and know that my thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
Dave will continue to live in my memory from all the way back when I met him at NEES. Dave was a model of a gentlemen a wonderful colleague and a nice human being. He inspired me with his work ethic and friendship. May the passing of time sooth your sorrow, and be comforted by the knowledge that Dave’s memory will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew him and respected him. No matter how much one anticipates death, the finality is always very hard to accept. I hope that the passing of time may help to ease your sadness of losing someone so special and so dear as Dave.

Death ends life, but not the impact life has had on others.

Sincerely,
George P. Sasdi
Former NEES Colleague

Phyllis Tracy

February 10, 2021

There were so many memories made at Karen and Dave's as we embarked on a decorating journey of many months. There were always so many times to laugh about the wonderful design moments. Dave was always ready at hand to help with any of the technical design issues and serve up a glass of cheer when we completed the mission.
An easy going Renaissance Man of many talents. He will be forever missed.
Pete and I send our heartfelt sorrow and prayers of healing to the entire family.
Phyllis and Pete Tracy

Hannah Gregorio

February 10, 2021

Phyllis and I worked with Dave and Karen on their lovely Marblehead home. He was a delightful and lovely man. His generosity and kindness made a great impression on me, he will always be remembered with fondness.

Pamela Arons

February 9, 2021

Karen and family,

We send our sincerest condolences to you on the loss of Dave.

Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts.

Love to you,

Phillip and Pam Arons

Dave Hartley

February 9, 2021

Dave , I’ll miss you terribly.. Dave Kennedy was one of the nicest people I ever met in my life. I had the pleasure of working on his lawn for 30+ years and during that time he always had that smile on his face no matter what. I never ever saw him look unhappy. He treated me like he treated everybody, with respect and honesty. I’m going to miss our talks and shared stories of boating and the headaches and love of being on the water. To his family, I send my love and greatest sympathy’s. Every one who knows him will miss him every day. Thank goodness we all had the pleasure of being around him. Dave Hartley ❤️

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