Jeffrey Jon Kennedy, 68, a lifelong resident of Rutland, Massachusetts, passed peacefully on October 9, 2025, with his family by his side.
Jeff was the son of Derwin (Bud) Kennedy and Inez (Boquist) Kennedy. Jeff is survived by the love of his life and partner of 32 years, Kathleen Fogarty, and their loyal companion dog, Gizmo, who will keep his chair warm while Kathy keeps his memory close. He also leaves his two daughters, Amber Kennedy of Underhill, Vermont; April Salter and her husband, William, of Oxford, Massachusetts, along with his granddaughter, Penelope Jayne. He leaves his older brother, Douglas Kennedy, and family, as well as his sister, Linda Sweeney, her husband, Kenneth, and their family. Extended family and those connected to him in ways both near and far were in his heart in the end.
Jeff worked for Babcock/Riley Power Inc. in Worcester, Massachusetts, as a designer for over forty years. In recent years, he volunteered with the Rutland Historical Society, particularly on projects related to the Rutland Prison Camps, donating his time, talent, and craftsmanship to help preserve local history.
Jeff enjoyed constructing scale models of historic vehicles and buildings. He loved the outdoors, camping, and barbecuing- preferably all at once, with something sizzling on the grill and a cold drink nearby. He loved listening to music and always had a song for whatever project he was working on or whatever mood the day brought.
Jeff was a man of contrasts- witty, endlessly resourceful, and with a sense of humor that shaped daily life. Laughter and sarcasm were the family’s shared language, and they will weave that laughter and love throughout their lives. He valued his independence and lived on his own terms, but beneath that self-reliance was a good heart and a desire to do right. He and Kathy built a quiet, steady life together- one grounded in love, loyalty, and the small everyday moments that felt like home.
Jeff embodied the simple truth in the lyric, “It feels like home to me, it feels like I’m all the way back where I belong.” With Kathy, he found that sense of home, a place where his heart could finally rest.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. In keeping with Jeff’s private nature, a small, private ceremony for immediate family will be held. We encourage all who knew and loved Jeff to honor his memory in their own way. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rutland Historical Society, P.O. Box 69, Rutland, MA 01543.
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