Thomas M. Kennedy, Jr., 51, of Londonderry, NH died Saturday, April 4, 2009 in a skiing accident at Alta Ski Area in Utah. He was born in Brighton, MA, son of Thomas M. Kennedy, M.D. and Patricia (O’Reilly) Kennedy of Meriden, CT. He grew up in Meriden and was a graduate of Xavier High School and Northeastern University. Tom served in the U.S. Navy as a submariner on a nuclear sub. He worked for Verizon for almost 22 years and was an active member of the IBEW union, including Local 2222 in Hyde Park, MA and Local 2321 in Dracut, MA. Recently, he ran for State Representative for the Londonderry/Auburn District as a Democrat.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Gail, two sons, John and Kevin, and three daughters, Emily, Hannah and Brigid of Londonderry. He is also survived by siblings, Maura J. Kennedy-Staudinger, M.D. of Birmingham, AL, Brian M. Kennedy of Sacramento, CA, Teresa Gagnon of Shelton, CT, Michael Kennedy of Rockaway Park, NY, Peggy Benjamin of Natick, MA, Katherine Curtin of Wrentham, MA, and Daniel Kennedy of New Britain, CT. He is also survived by 23 nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Tom loved all things Irish. Among his many climbing accomplishments, one of the proudest moments was his climb atop Mt. Brandon in County Kerry, Ireland. As an avid outdoorsman, nature commanded his love, interest, and respect, all of which live on in his children. He was an environmentalist, political activist, unionist, and big Red Sox fan. Most of all, Tom was a man who understood the importance of being at every family event and was a devoted husband and father.
Calling hours were held on Monday, April 13, 2009, 4 to 8 pm at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10:00am on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at St. Jude’s Parish, 435 Mammoth Rd. in Londonderry, NH. Tom will be missed sorely by those he has left behind. In lieu of flowers, there has been a special fund set up to help support the children of Tom Kennedy during this difficult time. Please make contributions on behalf of the Kennedy children to Any Bank of America in the name of the "Kennedy Children's Scholarship Fund" or contact Teresa Kennedy Gagnon @ 203-225-9142 for more information. The family wishes to thank the community of Londonderry for their support and kindness to the Kennedy family and their children. Donations can also be made to Warm Homes and send to PO Box 329, Londonderry, NH 03053.