RUSSELL – Richard E. Kennedy, 79, a twenty year Westfield/Russell area resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2014 in a local nursing home. He was born in Portland, Maine on November 20, 1935 the son of the late Clyde C. and Lillian E. (McDonough) Kennedy.He was a graduate of St. Francis College High School in Biddeford, Maine and served his country in the United State Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and the Massachusetts Air National Guard for twenty four years of dedicated service, retiring as Master Sergeant. He was a member of the following; American Legion Post 124 in Westfield, Past Commander of Post 351 in Holyoke, Life Member 40/8, Past Chef de Gare du Mass 40/8, the American Military Society, VFW Post 6645, Elks Lodge 1481, the Korean War Veterans Association, Korean War Veterans Association of Western MA, and the Retired State & County Municipal Employees Association.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth (Dempsey) Kennedy; two sons, Richard and Kevin; two stepsons, Shawn Connor and Patrick Connor; two daughters, Kathleen and Patricia and stepdaughter, Alicia Bean. He also leaves four grandchildren, Kiesha, Karissa, Dustin, and Kevin, and four great grandchildren.
Calling hours are Monday, March 17th from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at the Legacy Funeral Home, 4 Princeton Street in Westfield. Committal services with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1390 Main Street, Agawam.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Richard’s name may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, 150 Cambridge Park Drive, Suite 202, Cambridge, MA 02140. Please visit legacy-funeralhome.com for more information.
