1937
2021
Joseph Cecil Kennedy, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side in Bel Air, Maryland, on April 10, 2021. Joe was born in Atlanta, Georgia and was the only child of Vera Louise Farmer Kennedy and Joseph Cecil Kennedy in 1937. He graduated The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, where he earned a BS in Commerce and was commissioned in the US Army in 1958. Joe was a Major in the US Army serving in Korea, Germany and 2 tours in Vietnam as a pilot, flying both CV-2B Caribou Cargo aircraft and OV-1 Mohawk aircraft. He was a lifetime member of the OV-1 Mohawk Association, #101. He received The Broken Wing Award given to aviators who saved lives or aircraft during a mid-air emergency. He also received The Distinguished Flying Cross award which is given to members of the US Armed Forces for distinguished acts of heroism in aerial flight. After returning stateside, he was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he worked for the US Army Land Warfare Laboratory and Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity. Then he began his federal service as a logistician all the while serving in the Maryland Army National Guard as a CW4 helicopter pilot and flew the Cobra AH-1. After "retiring" from the National Guard, he continued serving at APG with the Army Test and Evaluation Command and finally retired with 46 years of military and federal service to our country.
Joe leaves behind his loving wife, Joyce Havenga Kennedy, his daughter, Shawn Kennedy Gordon and her husband Randy; daughter Trea Robinson O'Malley and her husband Michael along with their 2 children Alexandra and Eliza; and Kristen Robinson Murphy and her husband Mark along with their 2 children Jack and Logan. Joe will be remembered by family and friends as a proud patriot and enjoyed scuba diving, bow hunting, duck hunting, fishing, skiing, tennis, golf, international travel and was an avid dog lover. Some of Joe's favorite things included entertaining, gourmet cooking and a generous glass of Jack Daniels.
He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Due to Covid, Joe's celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to The Humane Society of Harford County at harfordshelter.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at Stjude.org.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.schimunekfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
Just learned of Joe´s passing. I worked with him in logistics at AMSAA. I enjoyed his stories and his energy. Had lots of laughs. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.
Steve Yuhas
January 29, 2023
Second memory Joe, I don't remember when, or the circumstances, but I remember your nickname of Indian Joe and I always respected that.
Ron Howard
December 21, 2022
Joe, it's been forever but some memories never die. We met in Can Tho, Vietnam, when we were flying OV-1's. I'll never forget seeing your Hawk on the ramp with the huge hole in the fuselage where a .37mm round went through without severing any controls. That's a sight that became a permanent memory.
Ron Howard
December 21, 2022
My condolences to the Kennedy family. Especially my sister, Shawn Renee. Your father was a remarkable man. So kind to every one he met. May your favorite times together bring joy to your heart.
Steve and I send our love.
Lynn Gleim
Sister
May 25, 2021
Joe’s mother and father were my second mom and dad and I was lucky enough to have grown up next door to Joe. In my eyes, Joe was an American hero and I was always in awe of his intriguing stories. My prayers are with Joe’s family, and I pray they will find solace in the months ahead knowing Joe is finally home.
Liz Jordan
Friend
April 21, 2021
We were friends for 44 years, always friendly and smiling, He took good care of everyone he was close to. Loved him. Love you Joyce and family
Veronica Teri Wojcik
Friend
April 14, 2021
What a Beautiful Tribute to your Dad! Sounds like a wonderful person with very high honors. Sending you & Randy & all of the family prayers angel.
Cindy
Friend
April 13, 2021
Joe was a wonderful friend and great SCUBA diving buddy.
Paul & Jan Metzner
Friend
April 13, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
joelle GIABICONI
Significant Other
April 13, 2021
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