John W. Kennedy 77 of Franklin, passed away Thursday June 11, 2009 at Milford Care & Rehabilitation Center, following a brief illness.
Born in Franklin, July 19, 1931 a son of the late Francis and Catherine (Barker) Kennedy he had lived in Franklin for most of his life. He was educated in local schools, and was a retired fork lift operator for the former Kendall Mills Company, in Walpole. He also worked as a custodian for Dean College, and many years ago as a bartender and bell hop in Florida.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He attained the rank of Private first class, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in April 1954.
He enjoyed scoring Red Sox Games, day trips to Boston, bicycling, reading, watching Westerns, and spending time with his great nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Franklin Senior Citizens and the AARP.
John lived most of his life in Franklin with his sister Shirley Tate and her husband Ray Tate Sr. until their deaths. He was thought of as more than an uncle to his niece Catherine Vaillancourt and her husband Davis of Millbury, nephews Jeff Tate and his wife Karen of Taunton, and Mark A. Tate of Uxbridge. He also leaves behind the love of 10 other nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews, loving neighbors and friends.
He was the brother of the late Florence Connolly and her husband Norman of Warwick, RI, Francis Kennedy and his wife Catherine of Wrentham, Alva Kennedy of Washington, Frederic Kennedy of Franklin, and his sister in law Terry Kennedy of Pasadena, CA. He is also the uncle of the late Raymond Tate Jr.
John was a private person and chose ahead of time to not have a funeral service. His family will respect his wishes. He will be buried with military honors in Union Street Cemetery in the Kennedy family lot.
“Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal” Irish poet: Thomas Moore.
Service arrangements are under the direction of the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. (www.franklinfuneral.com).