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John Henry Kennedy passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 80 years old.
Born on August 11, 1945, in Springfield, Massachusetts, John was the beloved son of Mary Collins Kennedy and Henry P. Kennedy. Raised in Medway, Massachusetts, he developed a lifelong love of learning, history, music, and the friendships that would remain with him throughout his life.
John was a proud graduate of Medway High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and his masters’ degree from Boston College.
John dedicated his career to education, serving as a respected teacher, educational administrator, and consultant. He believed in the power of learning and quietly inspired generations of students through his patience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
Outside the classroom, John found happiness in tending his gardens, reading, cheering on his beloved Boston Red Sox, and enjoying the music of the 1950s and 1960s, Broadway, and opera. He also had a deep appreciation for history and a special love for Ireland, where he enjoyed traveling and creating cherished memories with family and friends.
John will be remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit, quiet wisdom, infectious smile, and sparkling blue eyes. He had a remarkable way of making others feel welcome and valued, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
John is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Patricia Moran Kennedy; his children, Michael Kennedy (Patricia), Robert Kennedy (Melissa), and Colleen Kennedy; his stepchildren, Erin Brennan (Matthew) and Shawn Collins (Seana); his cherished grandchildren, Catherine Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, Colin M. Kennedy, Brady Kennedy, Mae Caldwell, Kyle Caldwell, Daniel Delmonico, Keira Brennan, and James Brennan; as well as his nephews, niece, extended family, many dear friends, former students, and colleagues.
He also leaves behind his lifelong friends, Steve Gordon and Richard Smith, whose enduring friendship was one of the great blessings of his life.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, caregivers, and hospice team whose compassion, dignity, and kindness brought comfort to John and peace to those who loved him.
No public services are planned. John will be remembered privately by family and friends.
Those wishing to honor John’s memory are invited to make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association in his name.
John’s legacy lives on in the students he inspired, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and quiet strength.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home in Medway (ginleyfuneralhomes.com)
