Richard Wilson "Rick" Kennedy

Richard Wilson “Rick” Kennedy, age 66, passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2023 surrounded by his adoring sisters and daughters, after a courageous battle with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.

Rick was born in Holyoke, MA, the son of Janet (Wilson) and Richard Hancock Kennedy. He remained a lifelong resident of both Holyoke and Point O’ Woods Beach, Old Lyme Connecticut, where he spent most of his summers.

A 1975 graduate of Holyoke High School, Rick began his drafting career at Kennco Associates alongside his father. Rick took ownership of Kennco for a number of years then joined Tighe & Bond where his talent as a Drafter earned him many accolades. He took great pride in his professional career and had an amazing work ethic making him a cherished coworker to many.

Rick was a loving, devoted son, who dedicated much of his time to caring for and supporting his mother and father, whom he admired and revered deeply. He loved looking after his mother and working alongside his father on countless home projects.

A loyal and longtime friend to many, Rick took great care of his friends and went to great lengths to maintain lifelong friendships. He created many bonds that would stand the test of time and was always available to his friends whether to watch a New England ball game or help them in illness. Rick was a caring and reassuring brother, he adored his three sisters and jumped at the chance to lend a helping hand or to spend time with them at every opportunity.

A beloved and doting father, stepfather, and grandfather- Rick loved and looked after his daughters with the utmost care and unwavering support. He was their rock and loved them all unconditionally, as they did him.

Rick loved the Boston Red Sox, good music, and he love, love, LOVED cats. He was an emphatically good person and demonstrated so through his acts of loving devotion every day. His quiet goodness radiated from him in every room he sat and every person who was lucky enough to know Rick now carries with them so much of what made him magic; the drive to do everything in life impeccably, to care for others deeply, and to do it all with a sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Katherine Kennedy and Mary Kennedy of Holyoke, and Jaclyn Kidd and her son, Johnathan, of Charlemont; his father, Richard H. Kennedy of Holyoke; his sisters, Sue Kennedy of Holyoke, Karen Galvin and husband, John of Milton, and Margo Harney and husband, Jack, of West Roxbury, along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A private burial at Point O’ Woods cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be held at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Dakin Humane Society via www.dakinhumane.org or mail to 71 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105.