In Memory Of
Jeffrey Harrison Kennedy
1955
2023
Jeffrey Harrison Kennedy
December 6, 1955 — January 5, 2023
Jeffrey "Jeff" Kennedy Obituary
Jeffrey Harrison Kennedy, age 67, of Lake Mary passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, after a brief illness with his wife and family by his side in the comfort of his home.
Jeff was born December 6, 1955, in Ithaca, New York, the son of Thomas and Mary (Rodin) Kennedy. His childhood years were spent living in Arlington, Virginia before moving with his family in 1968 to Winter Park, Florida where he attended Winter Park Junior and Senior High School, graduating the latter in 1974. Jeff's proudest achievement in high school was receiving a Gold Key Art Award (The nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens) for his work titled "Evolution of Life". Jeff graduated from Rollins College in 1978 with a BA in Environmental Science. He welcomed the birth of his beloved daughter Meagan in June 1989. He was blessed to be married to Shirley (Woosley) Kennedy who was his rock and biggest supporter to the end.
Jeff started his career with Dawkins and Associates Civil Engineering as an Environmental Scientist. After 3 years, he embarked on what would be his lifetime career focus until his recent retirement due to declining health: Technical writing and Logistics Management. For the next 39 years of his career, he employed his expertise with local and National companies that included ECC Educational Computer Corporation, Harris Corporation Government Support Systems Division, DME Inc., and Kratos Defense and technology Solutions.
Jeff was pragmatic in his pursuit of a "living" and took his role as a provider seriously. However, those who knew him best marveled at his creativity and skills in both art and music. He was a naturally gifted artist who created incredible works in pencil, acrylics, chalk, and especially watercolors. Family and friends looked forward to receiving hand painted watercolor cards for special occasions. He was an accomplished guitarist and guitar collector who took early inspiration from Eric Clapton, among others. In his younger years he loved to surf, especially at New Smyrna Inlet. He was a loyal and loving son to his parents and sibling to his 3 brothers. Jeff's love of dogs led him to become active in hospice care for doggies that could no longer be cared for by rescues, welcoming terminal animals into his and Shirley's home regardless of their condition (blind, deaf, or other concomitant disabilities). Lastly, Jeff was an infamous jokester who especially loved Halloween; family and friends will always have fond memories of Jeff as a killer bee, Mr. Potatohead, and his animated rendition of "The Fly".
Jeff was preceded in death by his father and mother, Thomas and Mary Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Shirley; his daughter Meagan Kennedy; brothers Brian, Tom (Felicia), Brendan; and nieces Lauren, Hanna, Kelly, Molly, and Brynna. He is also survived by his faithful canine companions Snowy, Snickers, and Scarlett.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff's honor to Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue http://www.scmradoption.com/ .
In honor of Jeff's final request, his ashes will be scattered in the New Smyrna Inlet at a later date.
Jeffrey Harrison Kennedy, age 67, of Lake Mary passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, after a brief illness with his wife and family by his side in the comfort of his home.
Jeff was born December 6, 1955, in Ithaca, New York, the son of Thomas and Mary (Rodin) Kennedy. His childhood years were spent living in Arlington, Virginia before moving with his family in 1968 to Winter Park, Florida where he attended Winter Park Junior and Senior High School, graduating the latter in 1974. Jeff's proudest achievement in high school was receiving a Gold Key Art Award (The nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens) for his work titled "Evolution of Life". Jeff graduated from Rollins College in 1978 with a BA in Environmental Science. He welcomed the birth of his beloved daughter Meagan in June 1989. He was blessed to be married to Shirley (Woosley) Kennedy who was his rock and biggest supporter to the end.
Jeff started his career with Dawkins and Associates Civil Engineering as an Environmental Scientist. After 3 years, he embarked on what would be his lifetime career focus until his recent retirement due to declining health: Technical writing and Logistics Management. For the next 39 years of his career, he employed his expertise with local and National companies that included ECC Educational Computer Corporation, Harris Corporation Government Support Systems Division, DME Inc., and Kratos Defense and technology Solutions.
Jeff was pragmatic in his pursuit of a "living" and took his role as a provider seriously. However, those who knew him best marveled at his creativity and skills in both art and music. He was a naturally gifted artist who created incredible works in pencil, acrylics, chalk, and especially watercolors. Family and friends looked forward to receiving hand painted watercolor cards for special occasions. He was an accomplished guitarist and guitar collector who took early inspiration from Eric Clapton, among others. In his younger years he loved to surf, especially at New Smyrna Inlet. He was a loyal and loving son to his parents and sibling to his 3 brothers. Jeff's love of dogs led him to become active in hospice care for doggies that could no longer be cared for by rescues, welcoming terminal animals into his and Shirley's home regardless of their condition (blind, deaf, or other concomitant disabilities). Lastly, Jeff was an infamous jokester who especially loved Halloween; family and friends will always have fond memories of Jeff as a killer bee, Mr. Potatohead, and his animated rendition of "The Fly".
Jeff was preceded in death by his father and mother, Thomas and Mary Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Shirley; his daughter Meagan Kennedy; brothers Brian, Tom (Felicia), Brendan; and nieces Lauren, Hanna, Kelly, Molly, and Brynna. He is also survived by his faithful canine companions Snowy, Snickers, and Scarlett.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff's honor to Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue http://www.scmradoption.com/ .
In honor of Jeff's final request, his ashes will be scattered in the New Smyrna Inlet at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jeffrey Harrison Kennedy, please visit our flower store.
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