SPRINGFIELD – William B. “Bill” Kennedy, 92, of the East Forest Park section of Springfield and a former longtime resident of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke surrounded by his comrades-in-arms and all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Springfield on August 27, 1925, a beloved son of the late Patrick and Nellie (Curran) Kennedy. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from Cathedral High School and was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Sumner and attained the rank of Yeoman Second Class. He received the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon with a Bronze Star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service, he returned to Springfield and retired as the Deputy Election Commissioner for the City of Springfield. Bill was a quiet man who along with his late wife, Anne, worked tirelessly to provide their five children with the gift of college educations. He was a life member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club where, following his retirement, he enjoyed his daily pitch games with his many friends. He was also a life member of the Springfield Lodge of Elks. A strong believer in his Catholic faith, Bill was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield. During the summer months, Bill and Anne entertained their family and cousins at their Cape home in South Yarmouth. Proud of his heritage, Bill was an avid reader of Irish history and a tremendous wealth of knowledge. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and soul mate, Anne Marie (Sheehan) Kennedy who was Called Home on September 1, 2012. They were married on May 5, 1951 at the former Our Lady of Hope Church in Springfield and were blessed with over 61 years of happiness together. He leaves his five loving children, Kevin E. Kennedy and his wife, Deborah, of Springfield, Susan M. Kennedy of Springfield, Anmarie Cenisio and her husband, Marco, of North Andover, MA, Brian T. Kennedy of Springfield and Joan Kennedy Rayno of Salem, NH; his eight cherished grandchildren, Sara Kennedy Tedesco, Kevin Kennedy and his wife, Aura, Melissa DePiano and her husband, Ernesto, Michael Cenisio, Nicholas Kennedy, Samantha Kennedy, William Kennedy Rayno and Mary Kennedy Rayno; his eight cherished great-grandchildren, Anna, Jack and Ryan Tedesco, Carolyn and Emma Kennedy and Luca, Grayson and Cash DePiano; his dear brother-in-law, Edward T. Sheehan and his wife, Florence, of Wilbraham; his two dear nephews, John Kennedy and his wife, Donna, and Paul Kennedy; and his two dear nieces, Claire Kennedy Miemiec and her husband, Al Miemiec, and Cathy Kennedy. He also leaves many additional nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Kennedy and Sheehan families. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was also predeceased by his three dear brothers, Joseph Kennedy and his wife, Ann, John “Ed” Kennedy and his wife, Olive, and his twin, Thomas Kennedy and his wife, Patricia; and his sister, Catherine Kennedy. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 10 a.m. (please meet directly) at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His Burial with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Mass at Saint Michael Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01109. His family will receive friends on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Sacred Heart Church Renovation Fund, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
