1910 – 1982 (May 25)
Kenneth Joseph Kennedy, son of Thomas M. Kennedy and Mary Melia, was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on March 6, 1910, and was baptized at Immaculate Conception Church by Father Francis A. McCranor, O.S.A. His grammar school and high school education was obtained at Saint Mary’s Academy, Hoosick Falls, while his senior year was spent at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. Received as a novice on September 8, 1927, he professed simple vows on September 9, 1928, and solemn vows on September 9, 1931.Kenneth graduated from Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1932. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., where he was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 11, 1935 by Bishop James H. Ryan. In June, 1936, he earned a Master of Arts degree in sociology at Catholic University.
Father Kennedy’s first assignment was to Saint Thomas of Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, California, where he taught for seven years, from 1936 to 1943. He was transferred to Malvern Preparatory School for a three year term, after which he was elected headmaster of Villanova Preparatory School at Ojai and prior of the community, serving in those offices from 1947 to 1953. In 1953 he was appointed principal of Colegio San Agustin and prior of the community at El Cristo Parish in Havana, Cuba. From 1959 until 1962 he was principal of Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA.
The latter years of his ministry were devoted to pastoral work, first as assistant pastor in Hoosicks Falls – from 1962 to 1964, and at Saint Joseph Parish in neighboring Greenwich from 1964 to 1965. From 1965 to 1972 he served as pastor of Saint Augustine Parish in Andover, MA, and during the last four years as prior, as well. In 1972 he was appointed pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Greenwich, N.Y., and in 1975, he was appointed to Saint Mary’s Parish, Waterford, NY. Plagued by ill health he died there on May 25, 1982.Father Kennedy’s open friendliness and hearty good fellowship endeared him to many. Although poised and dignified his kindly face was creased from many smiles. He enjoyed the happy faculty of adapting himself to changing situations. After many years of academic life he shifted easily to the pastoral. Understanding and helpful toward his Augustinian brothers, he extended the same interest to the community he served.Father Kennedy is buried in his family’s plot in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Hoosick Falls, NY.
