Gerard "Gerry" J. Kennedy, Jr.

Gerry was born on October 29, 1942 to Gerard J. and Regina L. Kennedy in Orange, New Jersey. After graduating from New Providence High School in 1960, he attended Montclair State University earning his Bachelor and Master of Arts. Gerry earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Connecticut in 1977. He subsequently had a very rewarding and impactful career in the fields of training and education.

After graduating from college, Gerry held several positions at Montclair State University to include Director of Development. While he was at the University of Connecticut, Gerry was the Director of Teacher Education and Assistant Dean in the School of Education. From 1978 to 1982 Gerry was the Dean of Students at Catholic University of America. Gerry then spent the next 10 years at the National Rifle Association holding several positions including the Director of the Education and Training Division. Gerry began the next phase of his career as the Associate Executive Director and Director of Professional Resources Division for the American Occupational Therapy Association (1992); and the Assistant Executive Director of Membership, Association For Career and Technical Education (1993-1997).

From 1997 to 2010, Gerry headed the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation, first as Vice President of Education and then Chief Operating Officer. From 2010 until his retirement in 2015, he served as the PHCC—National Association Executive Vice President. In these roles, he developed and delivered programs that positively impacted the careers of countless individuals in the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.

Gerry was also proud member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout and Vice President of the National Capital Area Council from 1989-1991. In 2016, he funded a new annual PHCC Foundation scholarship to assist Boy Scouts interested in trades-related education. For his contributions to Scouting, he was recognized with the Silver Antelope and Silver Beaver Awards.

In retirement, he enjoyed living with many friends at Greenspring Senior Living Village, traveling, and reading historical novels.

Gerry was predeceased by his parents Gerard and Regina. He is survived by his brother Michael J. Kennedy (Colonel, USMC, Ret) and his wife Susan; nieces Kathleen Rowlett (son Jacob), Stephanie Kennedy, nephew Matthew Kennedy (wife Dawn, son Kaden and daughter Logan).

Services will be held at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in Springfield, VA on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11:30 with interment at Saint Paul Catholic Church in New Bern, NC at a later date.

The family will meet Gerry’s friends in the vestibule of Saint Bernadette one hour before the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, Gerry requested donations be made to either the PHCC Educational Fund or the Greenspring (Erickson) Senior Living Village Student Scholars’ Fund.