John Paul Kennedy

John Paul Kennedy, a lifelong resident of Alexandria VA, peacefully passed away at home on August 28th in Southport, NC. Predeceased by his older brother Thomas, he is survived by his wife Alice, sons John Paul Jr. and Garrett (Ellen), daughters Casey Waesche (Matt) and Maggie, six grandsons, brother Cliff (Patty), sister Mary Kennedy Russell (Tim), and many nieces and nephews.

John was born in the old Alexandria Hospital on September 28, 1942, and was raised, along with his older brothers and younger sister, in the boisterous home of his parents, Thomas and Bertha Kennedy. He attended St. Rita’s elementary school in Alexandria, and graduated from DeMatha High School, the Foreign Service School at Georgetown University, and American University’s Washington School of Law. Drafted by the US Army upon graduation from law school, John attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and served as a Pershing Missile Guidance Officer in Germany.

John led a remarkable life of purpose engaged in professional and community service. He was a career attorney at the U.S. Department of HUD where, as a member of the Senior Executive Service, he served as the Associate General Counsel for Program Enforcement, and later as the Associate General Counsel for Finance and Regulatory Compliance and Senior Counsel to Ginnie Mae. John concluded his federal service providing legal guidance to the Federal Housing Finance Board until his retirement in 2007. His colleagues praised him for his inciteful legal analysis and ability to implement practical solutions to complex legal issues. He is most remembered for his mentorship of young attorneys and staff members, constantly providing them with guidance and encouragement.

John was equally engaged with his community. An avid runner, he ran 37 marathons, including 13 Boston marathons with a best time of 2hrs 36min, which, he liked to say, would have won gold medals at the 1912 and 1924 Olympics. He also competed on his college golf team. John converted his love of sports to community service. He was a founding member of the Northern Virginia Runners Club in the 1970s, and, after his retirement, served as the golf coach and as a mentor to the Robotics Team at Alexandria City High School all while being a substitute teacher at ACH.

But above all, John loved.

A memorial service will be held for John at 11:00 October 30th at Christ Church in Alexandria, VA with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Christ Church, Alexandria, Virginia; St. Phillips in Southport, North Carolina; or the Alexandria City High School Athletic Department.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.