John Allen Kennedy, born on July 1, 1959 in Columbus, Ohio, died unexpectedly on May 17, 2023 in his home in Montrose, California. A gathering in honor of John’s life will be held at the Kennedy family home on Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 2pm to 5pm.

John is survived by his loving wife of almost 43 years, Joanne Elaine Kennedy, daughters Jennifer Elaine Kennedy and Julia Amber Kennedy, brother Donald Albert Kennedy, and mother Ann Francis Kennedy. He is preceded in death by his father Edward Rodger Kennedy and step-mother Olive Rucker Slater Kennedy, affectionately called “Hopi.”

John was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. Anyone who knew him could feel his zest for life deeply entrenched in everything he did. He did all things with enthusiasm. John adored being a husband to Joanne and eagerly sought grand gestures to express his love. He oozed pride for his daughters and wove his identity as a father into every facet of his life, from his ever-flowing “dad jokes” to his beam through the camcorder at every recital, graduation, and celebration. He and his brother were two peas in a pod, and John took his role of “dog uncle” extremely seriously. He was a devoted son who always made sure both of his parents knew peace and warmth.

John loved his work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked for almost 36 years. There, he made many life-long friends and got to spend his days using his bright, analytical mind. He had recently announced his retirement, about which he reported feeling bittersweet due to the deep relationships he formed there. He also loved to learn and to connect with others, especially if they wanted to talk cars, drones, tech gadgets, animals, or games. He was an incredibly special man, and he will be profoundly missed.

Fond memories, photographs, and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.everloved.com/life-of/joh… for the Kennedy family.

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