Kenneth C. Kennedy, Jr.

LAWRENCEVILLE-Kenneth Charles Kennedy Jr. age 86 of Lawrenceville, Georgia joined his beloved wife Cathy on June 30, 2014. He was the devoted and loving husband of Catherine E. Staats-Kennedy, the light and love of his life who died in 2003.

Ken was born in Albany, New York on February 24, 1928 to the late Kenneth C. and Margaret Foster Kennedy. He was the very proud and loving father of his three boys who were with him from the day they were born and held a very treasured place in his heart. They are Kenneth C. III (Jane) of Albany, NY; Keith M. (Catherine) of Trussville, AL and Kristopher B. of Dacula, GA. He is survived by his sister Bridget Flynn. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren; Jason A. Kennedy (Michele), Mary Erin McCormick, Colleen Jaffe (Michael), Jennifer M. McWilliams (Michael), Brian J. Kennedy (Jill), Kimberly C. Kennedy, Justin C. Kennedy, Lee E. Kennedy, Brian M Kennedy and Elizabeth C. Kennedy. They were his traveling companions for many years that he dearly loved. In addition to his grandchildren he was delighted in his great grandchildren Connor Jaffe, Emma McWilliams, Andrew Kennedy, Caleb McWilliams, James Kennedy, Caitlyn Jaffe, and Stella Kennedy and soon to be born Luke Kennedy. Also survived by his niece Susan Zirnite, nephew James Flynn along with cousins Gene and Virginia Lorini together with their children Mary Ellen; Eugene (Mary Jo); Patrick (Kim) were very special to him. He was also predeceased by his nephew Timothy Flynn. Ken and Cathy traveled extensively and frequently throughout the United States and from the South Pacific to Europe. Dad especially enjoyed numerous trips back to Germany and also visits to the land of his ancestors, Ireland, namely Ballylinan in County Laois and Galbally in County Tyrone. A number of these trips were with their sons and grandchildren that exposed and revealed to them the joy and benefit of travel.

A 1947 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy his early education was at the former St. Josephs Academy in Albany. He served with the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division in Germany from 1950 to 1952 during the onset of the Cold War. His thirty year career with the Albany Police Department culminated in 1980 when he retired from active duty as a lieutenant in the Detective Office. During his career he served in the old First and Sixth Police Precinct, Division One, Traffic and Detectives.

After retirement he and Cathy moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he joined Scientific-Atlanta as Director of Corporate Security. He was also employed by the federal government as a security specialist for FEMA a division of Homeland Security. Active in his church, St. Oliver Plunkett he taught 7th grade religion for several years. He also served as a Eucharist Minister, Lector and president of the Pastoral Council. Genealogy was a passion for him. Together with his son Kenny they researched all units of the family and they wrote three books on their findings.

A 28 years member of the Elks Lodge 1602; he was a 52 year member of the North Albany American Legion. A long time member of the Knights of Columbus he was founder and past Grand Knight of Council 13440. A 4th Degree Knight he was instrumental in the planning and construction of the home for Council 7923 Lilburn, GA.

Funeral services are at the direction of the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie. Calling hours will be held on Monday July 7th from 4PM and 7PM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8 at 9:30AM at the Historic St. Mary's Church, downtown Albany. Interment will follow the mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands together with his wife Cathy.