On October 20, 2014, John W. Kennon, of Raynham, age 79, passed away. He was born in Boston, the son of the late William Kennon of Dorchester and the late Mary Bellew also of Dorchester. He was proud of his Irish Heritage. John raised his family in Raynham and was active in various community affairs including volunteering his time as a Juvenile Officer, a run for a seat for the Board of Selectment in the 1970’s. He was also a communicant of Saint Ann’s Church.
He earned degrees from Suffolk University, Boston University School of Social work and a Masters of in Education from Bridgewater State University. He was a self-proclaimed “perpetual student” and constantly strived to remain current with trends in education and public policy, most recently completing course work at Harvard University prior to his illness. He was a proud member of U.S. Air Force military police serving in Germany where he developed a love for European culture and travel.
He was the executive Director of the Fall River Deaconess Home School for Girls for many decades. In 2003,he retired as an administrator for the Old Colony YMCA Youth Services Corporation in Brockton to care for “the love of his life” his wife of forty-four years, Joyce Gwynn,as she battled a terminal illness.
Predeceased by his wife in 2004, he devoted the remainder of his life to his children and grandchildren, sharing his love of the fine arts, music ,nature and travel. John, is survived by his sons John Jr., Christopher, and Michael. His daughter’s Heather Gomes and Jennifer McCartin, their spouses as well as his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Bernadette Cromwell of Washington State, Anne Franklin of New Hampshire and Mary Thibedau of Massachusetts. He also leaves several nieces and nephews in Texas, California, Florida and Massachusetts. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, October 23rd at 10 am. at St. Ann’s Church, 660 North Main St., Raynham, MA, The O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home of Taunton is assisting the family with the arrangements.