"Terry, I have been trying to get a hold of you for several years and just can't seem to. You were my dad's best friend, and I would really like to stay in touch with you. Please call me 501-499-1422. Try this number even if it is several years later, it wont change. TK Jr. 4/27/2015"
In loving memory of
MSgt. (Ret.) Thomas M. Kennedy, Sr.
August 30, 1952 - June 6, 2004
Thomas Michael Kennedy, Sr., age 51 of 106 Froney Drive, Little Lake, died Sunday, June 6 at 7:45 a.m. at his home under the loving care of his family following a courageous five month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Tom was born on August 30, 1952 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Paul and Mary (Cullinane) Kennedy and attended schools in Cambridge. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and retired as a Master Sergeant from K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. He was honored as first Sergeant of the Year in 1990. He retired in 1991 with two National Defense medals, two Air Force Achievement medals, three Commendation medals and two Meritorious Service medals.
He was employed with Fasteners, Inc. of Grand Rapids as general manager of their Upper Peninsula operations.
Tom was a life member of American Legion Post #349 in Little Lake and served as their Post Adjutant, Commander for three separate terms and at the time of his death was a trustee on the Legions executive board.
He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gwinn. He loved the outdoor life and spent precious time with his family at their hunting camp in Wells Township and at their lakeside home in Little Lake with cookouts, family gatherings, fishing and cruising the water visiting many friends.
Surviving are his loving wife of 31 years, Cynthia L. (Sorensen) Kennedy whom he married on September 2, 1972; two children, Thomas (Kristin) Kennedy, Jr. of Gwinn and Kelly (Douglas) Sanville of Cornell; two grandchildren, Tyler Kennedy of El Mirage, AZ and Alexis Kennedy of Gwinn. He is also survived by his mother, Mary (Ken) OLeary of Cape Cod, MA, mother and father-in-law, Richard and Carol Sorensen of Little Lake; brother, Paul (Shirley) Kennedy of Woburn, MA; sister, Jacqueline (John) Chioccariello of Arlington, MA; brothers-in-law, Kenneth (Pamela) Sorensen and Kerry (Deborah) Sorensen, both of Little Lake; also several aunts and uncles in Ireland and England, nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Kennedy of Galway, Ireland.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Gwinn Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. where a parish prayer service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Thursday at the funeral home from 9 to 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Anthony Catholic Church with the Rev. Ronald Timock officiating. Interment will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Paul and Michael Kennedy, Kenneth and Philip Sorensen, and Kerry and Michael Sorensen.
Tributes
"Hey Dad, I've taken your advice to heart and have followed my dreams. I am doing very well and making a difference in this world. I have been a Police Officer since June, 2010. Kristin and I had another little girl, and she looks so much like Alexis. Her name is Madison and she is beautiful. We have never stopped thinking about you. I haven't been able to make it to camp in a long while. That's going to change, we had so many good times out there. Mikey and Brandon are hunting there today and I wish I was with them. Take care Dad, I miss you.... Jr"
"A very good friend has been taken from us. Someone we admired, shared, laughed and became family with. The loss of someone so dear is so very hard to deal with. Tom will always be part of our past, present and will never be forgotten in the future. We love and mourn with the family. You will always be in our hearts. Bill, Kathy and family"
"Tom was an amazing Father, Son, Husband and Grandfather. He is the father of my best and dearest friend, Kelly, and I grieve along with their family. His kind heart and loving nature will never be forgotten, but celebrated! We must Thank the Lord for the oportunity of knowing such a wonderful man. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends of Tom Kennedy, Sr. Much Love, Rena Filizetti"
"Tom was not only a loving family man but he was also a kind and loving friend who touched the hearts of everyone he met.He will never be forgotten and will live in our hearts forever until we meet again.Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family and know that we will always be their for you all. Your Friends Cheryl,George Bodenus & Family"
"Cindy and family, were very sorry to hear about Tom's passing, he was a kind and friendly man. You all have our deepest sympathy, Laurie & Steve"
"Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to all the Kennedy's. To Mary & Ken, we are thinking of you both at this difficult time. God Bless!!!"
"Errol and I are relatively new to the area and this is only our third year as members of the Legion Family. However, in that short time, we had come to know Tom and his wonderful family through our affiliation there. The Little Lake Legion is a great place with truly remarkable members -- most notable among them was Tom. His dedication to the Legion is evident everywhere and his presence at the Legion will be felt for years to come because he touched so many of us. Our deepest sympathy to his dear family. He was a wonderful man, a devoted father and grandfather, and we were very fortunate to have had him as our Commander. He guided us all through the difficult journey of these past months as he had always led us -- with courage, a smile and a sterling example. We will remember him forever and in doing so, he will remain forever in our hearts. God Bless you Tom, rest in peace, we will miss you."
"Tom was not only a great friend but also a great guy to work for. I enjoyed working for Tom when he was the commander of American Legion Post 349. Tom will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
"My family and I wish to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of your husband, brother, uncle. God Bless. Pat and Patti Pellow and sons"
"Tom Jr. & Family, We are sorry to hear about your great loss. Tom Sr. was a good man and will be missed by many. God bless!! Gordy and Heather Lauren"
"Tom was a very dear person that we were fortunate to have know. We hope he will rest in peace, and help our lord watch over your family, we want you all to know that we feel your pain, and your lose too. Words can not describe what all of us are going through, but pray with time each day will be easier then the one before. Amen"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"We would like to extend our sympathy to all of you. Our memory of Tom throughout softball, basketball, and working with him as a First Sgt., leave us with the fondest memories. Sorry we cannot be with you during this difficult time. We are in Rochester, MN, as Sharon is undergoing hip replacement surgery. Ryan and Jonathan extend their condolences to you, Tom, and Kelly also. They both are living in Minneapolis area. Take care."
"our thoughts and prayers are with you"
"Cindy and family, So sorry to hear about Tom. I have thought about you both over the years. I just lost my mom last month so I know the pain you are having. But with prayers and your wonderful memories of Tom you will get a little better each day. God bless you and your family and take care of you in this time of need. Always, LaDene (Tessaro) Wery"
"We just heard of Tom's passing and our hearts go out to you Cindy and family. We always enjoyed visiting with you when we came to Michigan to see our kids. Tom will surely be missed. May God be with you and comfort you at this very sad time in your life. Love Jim and Barbara"
"I knew Tom while in the Air Force. I did not know that he was ill, and was sick to learn of his death. I do not get the newspaper, and was told about his death the day after the funeral. I am very sorry to miss my friend's funeral. Please let the family of Tom know that we are thinking about them and wish them God's speed. Jeff & Joanna Wenstrand"
"Our prayers to the Kennedy family. God Bless, The Healy's, Kavanagh's from Cape Cod, and Eileen Whelan from County Cork, Ireland"
"I miss you Pop Dukes. Always remembered, never forgotten."
"GOD SAW YOU GETTING TIRED AND A CURE WAS NOT TO BE SO HE PUT HIS ARMS AROUND YOU AND WHISPERED "COME TO ME" WITH TEARFUL EYES WE WATCHED YOU AND SAW YOU PASS AWAY ALTHOUGH WE LOVED YOU DEARLY WE COULD NOT MAKE YOU STAY A GOLDEN HEART STOPPED BEATING HARD WORKING HANDS AT REST GOD BROKE ARE HEARTS TO PROVE TO US HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST"
"I miss you Uncle Tom. I will never forget you."
"Sadly missed Tommy and in our thoughts and prayers everyday. Colleen and Colin, Frances and Michael Gaffey, Galway Ireland"