Martin James Kennedy's Obituary
Martin James Kennedy, age 86, of Bridgeville, DE, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Bayhealth Sussex Campus, following a brief illness. He was born on August 7, 1936, in Freehold, NJ, son of the late Joseph and Marion (Wilcox) Kennedy.
After high school, Martin earned his bachelor’s degree. His love for his country beckoned him and he proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. In 1958, at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS, he married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Drew and they would spend the next sixty-four years creating a beautiful life and family together. Martin loved people. Active in the Boy Scouts of America, he was a Boy Scout Leader for many years. During that time, Martin and his wife spent time in the Philippines with his children and other scouts where they performed the Bataan Death March. He worked to teach many scouts in the Philippine Islands during campouts at Clark Air Force Base. During that time, many friends and memories were made. He faithfully volunteered with the USO for over ten years at the Dover Air Force Base. Upon moving to Bridgeville, Martin and Patricia also worked for over 10 years with the Bridgeville Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary assisting in the dining room for the many dinners that were hosted there. In his spare time, He enjoyed bird watching and carving birds from wood, listening to the music of his youth of the 40s, 50s and 60s. His devotion to his family, however, took precedence above all and the time spent with those he held dear was what he cherished most. Martin was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soldier, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, sisters, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Kennedy; his children, Joe Kennedy, Carol Schimmoller, James Kennedy, and Margaret Dudley; his grandchildren, Adam and Amanda Schimmoler, Alice, Benjamin, and Alexander Dudley; his great-grandchildren, Peter Dudley and the precious little one on the way; and his sister, Patricia Sampson.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at the Bridgeville Cemetery at 2 North Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mr. Martin’s memory to the Lake Forest Church Association Food Pantry, P.O. Box 101, Harrington, DE 19952, to help feed families in need.
Please sign Mr. Kennedy's virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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