Robert R. Kennedy Sr, 91, a resident of Park Street in Bennington, died Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at the Vermont Veterans Home following a brief illness.
He was born in Bennington, Vermont January 26, 1925. He was the son of the late Alvin J. and Alila (Carpenter) Kennedy. Bob received his education in Bennington and was a graduate of Bennington High School.
Bob proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard an Independence-class light aircraft carrier, the USS Monterey, in the Pacific Fleet.
He married the former Jane Gagne on February 2, 1945 at Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington. Mrs. Kennedy passed December 30, 2005.
In earlier years Bob worked with his father in the family plumbing business. He later went to work and retired from the Union Carbide Corporation in Bennington. Unable to sit still for long he worked for nine years at Business Air in Bennington from which he retired in 1997.
He enjoyed reading and loved aviation. He enjoyed watching baseball games and touring around town for an evening car ride. He told incredible stories and would entertain by singing and playing one of his many harmonicas. Bob was a member of the American Legion Post 13.
Survivors include his six children and their spouses, Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Kennedy Jr. of California, Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Kennedy and a daughter Rebbecca Kennedy Richmond and Husband Scott all of Bennington; fifteen grandchildren, Holly, Heather, Jeniffer, Meagan, A.J., Adrianna, Amanda, Erin, Anissa, Michael, Garrett, Ashley, Jamie, Cydney and Eyan; sixteen great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by a sister Audrey Kennedy Smith and three brothers, Alvin J. Kennedy Jr., Edward Kennedy and John Kennedy.
Friends may pay their respects at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Sunday October 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Services will be held at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Monday October 17, at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at the family lot at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington.
The family of Robert would like to invite you to join them following the burial to share memories, food and refreshments at the Bennington Fire Department at 130 River Street.
If friends desire, contributions in memory of Robert R. Kennedy Sr. may be made to the Vermont Veterans Home through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net